Rain

My grandmother used to tell us to shower during the first rain of May. The month is almost done and still no rain would visit us.

Then, like a miracle, in the early afternoon of the day, the heavens became dark signaling the birth of a heavy downpour. Then, it came. After a long wait, the rains bathed the town. The earth having been deprived of a healthy concoction drowned itself lustily of the sweetness that is rain.

I went out for a while. Since I was little, it was my tradition to bathe in the first shower of May. I inherited it from Nanay who claimed that agua de Mayo is good for the body. My mom and a sister joined me too. Whether it is really healthy or otherwise, I could only care less. The beauty of maintaining that tradition is quite nostalgic and riveting. Anyway, the rainwater feels cold in my skin, a welcome reprise from the scorching heat of the sun.

Global warming has affected us so much. May is considered the month of flowers. It happens because rains come early during that month. Yet, it came too late to usher the celebration of the festive month of the flowers. Flowers abloom during May. Fruit-bearing trees also compete with their produce. This is something to ponder on.

I was in jovial mood. The rain has furnished me with much needed change.

As the rain eases the thirst of the earth, it caresses the soul and refreshes the mind and spirit. Rain brings us into solitude and a journey to memories.