She hurled herself into the storm. Clouds, low and ominous, delivered chastizing streams of rain. The thunder shouted disapproval, and lightening issued close threats.
She smiled.
Wrapped in a hideous jacket, her pale face was barely visible. Dark curls trembled beneath her hood, dancing to the wind's temptation.
She shivered.
Damp and cool, a chill accompanied restless air. It was the intensity however, of the sky's release that sent a tremor of anticipation through her spine, and lifted the hairs on her arms and neck. Quickly scanning the yard for a dry place, the girl ran and ducked under the wooden platform of her childhood playset. Ignoring the dampness of the ground, she felt only the storm--its whirling confusion slowly uncurling in her chest.
She closed her eyes and breathed.
She loved it. The anticipation, disolving inhibitions...
The world was letting go.
A weather siren sounded in the distance, invading the privacy of her mind. With an irritated slap she brushed away an ant crawling on her ankle. Distaste clouded her face as the siren continued its long and obnoxious proclamation of the storm. No one understood the weather. Monolougues addressing hot and cold fronts, cumulonimbus clouds, and future forecasts did nothing to achieve her confidence in man's ability to explain away the weather. It wasn't something mastered by science and technology. No--it was a story.
She imagined.
Everyday, the sky snatched the vain wishes, shattered dreams, bitter resolve, passion and anger from the lips of strangers. It stole whispers and prayers from hot breath--carrying them to the empty expanse above the world. There, above the clouds, turmultuous sentiments gathered---churning and roiling, staining the sky black and making the air hot and oppressive. Hatred and love collided, jelousy and malice fought to outdo oneanother. Anger took the wind captive, using it as a weapon, to slash and stir and destroy. Finally, the sky would have no more. With a great flash of light, and a crash that mirrored the climax of discord--the sky struck out and subdued them.
There was silence.
Then, came surrender as every emotion declared defeat. Sumbissive to something greater, they dismissed desire and died---falling back to earth where they slammed the ground in a flood of tears...
Those who fear the storm do so rightly. They are overwhelmed by the merciless ferocity of their own hearts.
The girl slowly opened her eyes and propped her chin on her knees. The rain had begun to gentle---softening the ground it had formerly struck. The smell of earth and taste of wind slowly entertwined, dancing to the silent song of the storm. The air was lazy once again--quiet and curious. Touching her face, the wind silently probed her thoughts. She had witnessed the storm with different eyes. Did she understand? Had she followed the breathless story of conflict and resolution? Did she know?
Rising slowly from her sanctuary, the girl stood--smiling as raindrops kissed her outstretched arms and upturned palms.
She knew.