rain.   humidity seeps into the sidewalk’s skin.   the smell of electric aluminum engulfs an already weary street.   walking in silence, feeling the gray, the dirt, the anticipation.   the sky, a low ceiling, bowed, ready to collapse.   the florescent trees sway in hopes of avoiding the inevitable.   cars amble by, spewing fans of grease and water.   birds are absent from the scene. taking sanctuary in their hidden Eden.   beneath the pavement lies a tranquil brook anxious to rage once again.   i hear it.   even the breeze has taken shelter, leaving only stale heat.   what is She waiting for?   why does She develop such elaborate schemes?   for attention.   to prove a point that only She knows.   a low groan of stress from above.   a hiss.   leaves turn white from fear.   She breathes a whisper of warning.