Thursday, March 3, 2011

In the Rain


Today's post is in response to this prompt from The Red Dress Club:

Water gives life. It also takes it away.

Write a short piece - fiction or non-fiction - inspired by one or both of these statements.

In the Rain




Splashing, I was splashing, while the desert opened itself to the cover of rain. What a surprise! The soaking, the downpour, water in every crevice where there was none moments before.

I was out of that house. Out of that house that contained us, shielded us from the sun. A house that kept us in spaces too close. Too close to ignore what we did not want to see.

I was a kid again and the backyard was my bathtub.

Monsoons in the desert are a special kind of storm. Once a year. Water, water, pouring down, flooding the streets that have no plan for this much water. Warm, thick air that feels like relief, so different from almost every other day of the year – in a desert.

I laid down in inches of water, completely free and undone, soaking my hair, taking it all in. Palm and yucca reached toward the sky, not even needing the nurturing it was given.

No one knew I could be so free. I kept myself in a tight bud, all the time, to protect myself from judgment. In my own backyard, all alone, in the rain there was no caution for cleanliness or perfection.

Rain was a welcome respite from the harsh light. A break from the search for comfort under an unforgiving sun.

That house, that house, it stood there and held all of our insides. That damn house. Waiting for me to come back. Waiting for me to return to a tight bud and close the door on freedom and truth.

I would stay in the rain until I was wrinkled and shaking. I would stay in the rain, running and doing cartwheels and rolling on the grass. No one really cared. I didn’t care. For a moment. I didn’t care, and I was free. In the rain.



“And then the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin

26 comments:

Jessica Anne said...

I loved this. I love the tight bud analogy, so perfect. And I loved the images of the water flooding the desert and you washing in it,literally and figuratively.

Rathi said...

You know Kristy. This post could not have been more perfect. Every single line in this piece is so powerful, so connected, and so heart-felt which gives this post the elevation to be a part of everyone who is reading. I am feeling it now. I wish I could say which lines I liked best, but I would rather say I loved every part of this piece. Every halt, every beginning. And the quote you wrote at last, it was the best possible way to end this post.

Brilliant.

Keda said...

This is such a beautiful piece Kristy. it's filled with depth, heart and wonder. For a moment, just for a moment, despite having no real idea of what it truly means in your life, I was able to relate and feel everything that you did. Of course once you start wanting to put words to it, it all goes away, which is why your piece is absolutely perfect.

Ca88andra said...

Wonderful writing! Very poignant.

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Really like your writing!

Leighann said...

Great piece. Such depth

Pamela Gold said...

The rain is renewing. A child splashing in puddles and catching drops on their tongue. This brings lots of memories to mind. The rain isn't depressing to me as it is for many people. It's more like the sun, than the sun is the sun.

Jennifer said...

I loved how the storm, the rain became safety and joy and the house loomed as the antagonist. I wanted this storm to never stop so she never had to close herself down into that tight bud again.

Kim said...

Great! Love the image of "wrinkled and shaking"

Tina L. Hook said...

I love how your character condemns her house. Very telling. Now I want to know what is in there that is so confining.

Stopping by from TRDC.

Kris Mulkey said...

Loved it. I could really feel the emotion.

Shell said...

The emotion in this is very powerful. How freeing the rain must have felt.

Unknown said...

You write so beautifully. I loved every word.

karen said...

Hey Kristy,
Basic High
Just Kidding, we need to get a BEER OR TWO

Anonymous said...

I loved that she lay down in inches of water and let it soak her skin. Why did she hate her home so?

colbymarshall said...

I can relate to this--the only time I enjoy rain (which I usually despise because it makes me feel gloomy) is if I'm in the position to go run around and play in and get soaked. Then it's fun :-)

Cristina said...

you make me want to go splash in the rain :)

Mommyfriend Lori said...

Damn girl, you are so talented.

Anonymous said...

My favorite so far. This was beautiful. I loved
"I was a kid again and the backyard was my bathtub." I think everyone can relate to this feeling. Well done. ;)

jazzygal said...

Powerful piece Kristy.

I really enjoy reading these posts!

xx Jazzy

Cheryl said...

Kristy, I really, really liked it. I loved the imagery of lying in the puddle, free and undone. I could totally see that, and the cartwheels.

My favorite line was: "That house, that house, it stood there and held all of our insides."

This is one of my favorite pieces I've read of yours. Really strong, tight, and raw. Awesome job.

{Stephanie}The Drama Mama said...

Beautifully written just like you always do.

--The Drama Mama

Unknown said...

Excellent. I wanted to write for them on this one but haven't had the time....thanks for the inspiration

Glow said...

Kristy this is brilliant! That quote is one of my favourites.

Jenna said...

beautiful. you sound so free, out enjoying nature. reminds me of my second child, and how she might talk about it, too :)

Galit Breen said...

I love the emotion, the imagery and the poetry of this piece!