Rain Skipping

I quickly walk with padded footsteps and the branches crack beneath my feet. "A little farther," I gasp, pulling a strand of hair from my eyes. I look up toward the sky. Clouds glide across clear blue and the cliffs climb, stretching out in an empty jagged chasm. I swallow. The rain pours down and slides into my gaping mouth. I can feel the water slap against my skin. The chilled drops still sting my throat and I have to clamp my teeth down, shuddering. Watching the clouds tumble into each other from the East, I try to imagine sweet pink lemonade lingering on my tongue.

I stop. I could stand here forever and try to see shapes in the clouds, letting the rain plaster hair to my forehead. And I reach, trying to place my hand against the soft bodies of white elephants suspended in mid-air. If only the treetops weren't in my way, and my feet soaking in the puddles. The humid air presses down against the forest. I watch as the rain drips from pine branches. I find my lips moving, slowly whispering, "Here, you are." I try to shut my eyes, but they flutter open as I gaze at the sky. I want to reach up and grab the forest between my palms, to savor the downpour, knowing it will only last so long.

And the rain stops slapping upon the forest leaves. Letting up, it begins to tap out a slow, steady whisper. Fleeting light weaves in between the clouds. I look at my hands, swinging aimlessly, and I can feel my clothes seeped in cold. The sun begins to warm my back, to draw the moisture from the seams. I sigh, hating the sudden feeling of warmth after an April shower. Hating the impermanence--how I'm left here, out to dry.

"You coming?" he asks as he places a hand on my shoulder.

I turn around and nod. I hadn't noticed him walking up behind me.

I follow as he walks past trees toward the lake and I watch as he grabs a pebble, smooth between his hands. He rolls it between his fingers, creased by time. I close my eyes, listening to the smooth rhythm. I'm not looking when he draws his arm back and tosses the rock into the lake. I can only hear splashes as it skims across the water. My eyes flutter open to see ripples eddying outward.

"Is something wrong?" He raises his eyebrows.

I stare at the lake, thinking how the rock will never surface again for thousands of years. Stones just don't come up for air. "No." I turn back to the forest, starting to walk. "I just don't throw my wishes away."