Night Rain

Magnetic light strip of Ponsonby Pulls me up Franklin by the hair of my teeth All illumination and sparklers this city is growing up social bum-fluff and parading baby merchandise name traces in the black night air 200 meters from home the rain starts its comfort campaign Softly at first Lightly dusting this heavy winder coat’s shoulders caressing my near-numb face and hair “There, there” consolation becoming more insistent as it cloaks it’s wet arms around me guiding me to the door Tane’s tears, say it’s OK to feel a loss wom’t deny it, pretend it away gestures and a sign that one of the Gods may care rain can be the only companion kissing it all better like the sweet surprise cup of tea selflessly brought to a bedside unasked in the morning Gaia’s random acts of kindness unbidded, unbidden that sudden shower’s present to salve and soothe a natural baptism to name the pain and make it all better again Caitlin Smith August 9th 2006