Rain of my memories

I remember the first monsoon rain

Falling in reluctant droplets, barely moistening the parched terrain

Rain falling for a period tantalizingly brief

The intoxicating petrichor bringing relief

The hot dusty winds settling down on the ground

A sense of new beginnings all around

The start of the season celebrated with swings and steaming tea

The magic of the first rain etched indelibly in my memory..

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Later, the spells of steady rainfall

Flooded streets with paper boats leaving children enthralled

The rhythmic sound of raindrops falling on rooftops

Relentless rain that would not stop

Punctuated by rumbling thunder and sparks of lightning

And the low-pitched hum of crickets chirping..

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Now, in a different land, in a different climate zone

Torrential downpours, threatening areas flood-prone

Strong gales and heavy deluge I have seen

Devastated by a hurricane my town has been

Now thunder and lightning ominous appear

Reminding me of tragedies penned by Shakespeare…

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I long for that Monsoon season from my childhood days

When rain was welcomed and celebrated in so many ways

Where music and literature were heavily inspired by the rain

I long to be caressed by the raindrops and smell the damp earth again