Wander Through My Wet World with Me

Yesterday, after church and lunch, my family and I were sitting in the living room when the clouds opened and rain poured. It bounced off the deck, drummed against the roof of Nemo’s house, and gave the already damp flowers yet another drink. (Nemo,of course, lives in my house, but his house is there in case it’s needed.) Later, the rain went away but the clouds stayed. It was a dark day, just right for snapping a few pictures. First, Nemo and I went into the back yard. The herbs looked like they were enjoying the wetness and the small, stone garden girl gazed fondly at her bouquet of thyme.

Next, my trusty camera and I sallied forth to the container garden.

Yes, they were perky and bright, in no way water-logged. Wondering how the newly-planted flowers around the pin oak were getting on, I squished to that newest bed. All was well. The marigolds looked as if they liked nothing better than a good rain. The bee balm stood upright and bold while the petunias did their best to hold up their soggy heads.

I am amazed at the beauty reflected in an humble mud puddle. Sky, trees, all look just as nice when viewed upside down. As Flora Tucker once said, “Even a mud puddle can reflect a rainbow.” I’m sure there’s a lesson in those wise words somewhere.  

Seeing that nothing had gone floating off to Peg’s yard, I came back inside to admire the book UPS left on my porch yesterday. I, who seldom win a thing, won In Those First Bright Days of Elvis by Josephine Rascoe Keenan. I can hardly wait to begin reading.

So ended a soggy Sunday but a very nice Sunday. And now, believe it or not, we are going into the second week of June.

And What Is So rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.

–James Russell Lowell