She brings it in with her,
the rain,
clung to the tip of her nose
and through her hair
so it’s blacker than night.
Strips out of her waterproofs
till she has shape.
Colour,
risen high in her cheeks,
on the knuckles of her hands.
Reveals the desperation of it,
crept through
zips and openings.
Slid a caress down her neck
till she bears a collar of its touch.
Trails it deeper into the kitchen,
Siren kettle
a song to sodden socked feet,
printing a vanishing trail
across the tiles.
Loving this description of coming in from the rain…and a good drenching at that! Smiled at the sodden sock feet leaving a trail 🙂
Not so sure my mum was as impressed with the drenching. Didn’t matter how good the kit, the rain always found a way in eventually.
Oh yes… rain can soak you all the way through… I have not really been that wet except when mountain hiking.
It is a reoccurring memory from my childhood. Sheep farming means getting soaked through regularly during winter and spring. (My mother that is)
A wonderful capture of coming in from the rain, Carol. I especially love the rain on her nose and in her hair, the colour in her cheeks, and the way it got in everywhere. My favourite lines:
Siren kettle
a song to sodden socked feet,
printing a vanishing trail
across the tiles.
If it was me, my glasses would have steamed up!
Every time I open the dishwasher, or the oven! But do I learn? Of course not
Oh, so well observed, so accurately detailed – I can see those reddened hands, and the squelching feet. Put that kettle on!
I like how the rain “Slid a caress down her neck”.
Nice. The song of that kettle is like a release of the tension that’s built while sodden.
Great writing, Carol.
a delightful description of the trail rain leaves after a good soak!
Really good writing here. I felt like I was right with her.
Ah, the siren sound of the kettle, so welcome after a good drenching! Good write.
Girl just slays all day!
Your poem is a delight … I could feel the rain, my soaked socks, hear the kettle. Thank you!
Thank you Helen, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it.
I loved sodden socks printing a vanishing trail. Brought a smile 🙂