Dances With The Rain

Heavy clouds gather in the sky; chasing winds hastening the darkness they tow. Lightning crisscrosses across the horizon followed by rumbling thunder in the distance. The air is already moist and fragrant, betraying the presence of rain elsewhere, not far off. I hold my breath in anticipation as my heart waits excitedly. And as the first large drops descend upon the parched earth, it seems they fall upon the dry soil of my thirsty soul. The dead earth comes to life and so does my spirit. It dances to the sweet melody of the rain. My heart rejoices. People run for cover, cursing and grumbling as they are forced to abandon their plans. But my heart becomes restless. As I see people eager to seek shelter, I long for the freedom of the outdoors. My spirit yearns to embrace and merge with the beauty of nature.
And so it is, that I leave the confines of my home and set out. I head towards the ocean and walk beside the excited waves. The only other creatures out there are some large sea gulls and pelicans. As I seek nourishment for my soul, they are foraging for food to sustain their bodies. I watch them in fascination as they hover precariously over the water, miraculously poised, maintaining a safe distance as they peer down into the dark depths of the ocean to spot fish. The slightest tip of the wing could mean the end for them. But they do not err; for that is the destiny of man alone. They have unwavering faith in their Navigator, while man is steered by 'free will' and 'mind', and invariably failed by both.
I allow the moisture laden wind to toss my hair from under the cap. The rain beats down on my face, hitting like sharp pellets, but it doesn't bother me; the pleasure derived is too great to allow a little discomfort to stand in the way.
The rain lifts my spirit and carries my soul on its wings, enabling it to soar beyond the boundaries of human limitations. My soul seems to abandon its physical confines for a moment and is able to view life from a different perspective.
Ah! how futile are human endeavours and pursuits of worldly wealth, how perishable and transient all things material, and how valuable and enduring, qualities like humanity,generosity and love. It is not difficult to understand why since time immemorial, men have forsaken all that is frivolous and arbitrary, in pursuit of things more sublime and lasting; for that is the true purpose of life. When God created man, He planted in him the best of His own attributes; for He wished man to be the mirror in which He could see His own image.
And what, pray, is the mirror but a sheet of glass, without the qualities of what it reflects?
Hour upon hour I walk, my soul and heart drawing their very essence from the descending rain. The shackles of slavery to the god of my ego are shattered and I feel liberated, exhilarated. Perhaps the strong opposing wind slackens my pace a little but it does not stop me. On the contrary, it quickens my heart and strengthens my resolve.
I look up into the dark sky and silently thank God for His blessings. I wish the rain to go on. Just as it collects in narrow streets and alleys and washes the dirt down the gutters, so do I wish it to wash away the impurities and blemishes in the alleys of my soul.
I need the clarity it brings to my thoughts and the life it lends to my existence.
I need the rain to be alive;
I need the rain to carry on.