why i don't use an umbrella

black rain falls
d
o
w
n

like sands in a timer
slowly at first
then faster and faster.
proving not all time is equal

black rain falls
to the left
and to the right
tickling my face
drops whispering in my ear

like a child in a car wash
each stage offering
a new sound
texture
and smell.

black rain falls dark
absorbing all light
the room looks the same
whether my eyes are open or not

like getting a glass of water
in the middle of the night.
glasses are not needed

black rain falls fast
catching me
catches me
caught me
never lets me go

like the ocean
welcoming poseidon.
returning from war

black rain falls
u
p
in my hands
counting the strands

like playing a piano
by plucking the strings.
just another way to make music

an umbrella would only get in the way.