Memos from the Middle

April Showers

It’s gray outside;
the rain is cold,
but big puddles beckon
little feet for a dance.

I bounce
a little less gracefully these days
for seemingly water-free land,
but the girls giggle
when their aim is perfect,
sending big splashes
flying through the air,
dotting everything:
coats,
knees,
laughing faces.

I try not to be too angry
as they stand
twirling in charming umbrella-free circles,
like “taking a shower outside”
with mouths open wide,
trying to catch drops
on candy-colored tongues.