Sub-zero weather
with its erratic
body-slamming winds
has been pushed aside
by warmth
and the steady thrum of rain
melting snow and ice

Drops endlessly fall
then quickly disappear
into splashes and outspreading circles
on a thin sheet of water
rapidly flowing
its ripples rolling across the blacktop
to the hollow-metallic-echoing pulse
of a temporary river unleashed
boisterously rushing
beneath a cast iron grate
at the curb

No longer afraid
of skidding
into an uncontrolled fall
in hooded rain-jacket and rubber boots
I joyfully walk-dance instead
rhythmically stomping my feet
  and snapping my fingers
          to the tip-tapping beat
                       of tiny liquid drumsticks
                                                      on my head

© by Joan Kantor.
Used here with the author's permission.