~~~ Don't Forget to Smell the Mud in the Rain ~~~

…. Ah! The first drops of rain

Washing away this tiny stab of pain,

Bringing back memories of laughter and joy

When I used to play with my little boy

Out would come gumboots and raincoats

Craft paper turning into little boats

Jumping and splashing in the rain

And puddles all over the terrain

The deafening rattle of the thunder

My little boy scampering under

Ears shut and mouth agape 

A blanket over the head, wide-awake

Steaming mugs of hot chocolate and coffee

One for him and one for me,

Our noses flat on the windowpane

Watching … the pouring rain.

My boy’s grown and gone

I am sitting on the steps and all alone,

A smile here and there a frown.

Remembering the days that have flown

Now, living on the edge and a vial of pills

Coping with the heart ache amidst all the ills

Wishing I was young once again

And could smell the mud in the pouring rain.