A Tropical Downpour

 

A tropical downpour must not be confused with the drizzle of home,

it is something quite different in its character.

It often begins with a clap of thunder or an unsuspecting lightning strike,

as dark clouds muster in the heavens above as a mighty prelude.

Almost like an eclipse of the sun the land is shrouded in darkness,

as the sky becomes erratic and convulses in a turmoil above.

Then a few bullet like drops of rain fall as a warning, a prelude for what is to come,

suddenly a cloud bursts as the skies open and unleash a torrential fury.

Rain which beats on the roofs of houses and transforms roads into rivers,

drains unable to cope with the torrent of water begin to regurgitate their waste.

Thunder and lightning leap about the sky like a spectacle of doomsday,

fierce gusts of wind whip the trees, their branches and sundry foliage.

Palm fronds become sodden and are buffeted to and fro,

doors are hastily closed and blinds drawn as the army of hell advances.

People cowering indoors in the hope of no damage to their homes,

it rages on and reaches an intensity, a climax accompanied by more thunder.

animals and birds are nowhere to be seen as they too seek shelter,

Then, silence, an unnatural calm descends as if all has been spent.

a ray of sunlight breaks through between the clouds,

It ends as it has begun with a punctual finale.

Once more the sun embraces the landscape as flora and fauna recover,

the sun glistens on the leaves of the palm trees and the wind is abated.

Puddles, fast flowing trenches carry away the deluge of the storm,

irrigation systems are replenished and the earth is restored.

Was ever such drama created by man?

The power of nature was unleashed.