rain on my parade

rain drops fall, expected, and even welcome
         tiny splashes on the window pain
         where I tally the last preparations
         they cling to the rosebushes, the wisteria vines
         making joyous circles in the pond
         where the ducks splash
         giving ideas to the children high up

on the roof tops, people open their umbrellas
         their vantage points slightly uncomfortable
         as the countdown seems to slow because of
         a simple summer storm
         but the cloud gazers among the float watchers
         are just as content in this spring-like half-time
         just a tiny hassle in the timing for the marching bands
         cooling off from the day's heat
         an added plus to their bonuses already received; so

my efforts will not have been in vain
         for I have planned for even this shower happening
         paper maché floats have been transformed into plastic
         with invisible bubbles to protect the brass instruments
         floats, just as colorful as the real carnival in Venice
         and this year's costumes are inspired from beach postcards
         where my actors, dressed for summer holiday
         relive inspiring moments of vacation relaxation
         highlighting this year's national holiday

parade, through the residential streets
         downtown, uptown, snaking through every neighborhood
         every citizen will recall this year's happiness with
         balloons of every color rising to the rooftop spectators' grasp
         ribbons trailing in the breeze caught by laughing children
         and majestic firework magic as the night falls…
         no, this year, even rain cannot spoil my parade



         rain on my parade
         3 july, 2006
          (written for the Poetic Paradise Daily Challenge)