The sun has given way to
a gunmetal sky that brings
a strengthened wind
cooling the air and agitating
the leaves on the summer trees

The birds are frenzied
They know the signs
and sing anxious songs
as they search for
safe roosts in the prickly hedgerow

The roses droop
No rain for days, but
they’ll regret their careless wishes
when each heavy drop dislodges
their delicate rainbow colours

Then the thunder breaks
and lightening unzips the heavens
The world silently listens to the show
while rivulets of rain pattern the pane
and puddle on the thirsty earth