Dark menacing clouds wander aimlessly in the sky.The cuckoo sings a sweet melodious tunein anticipation of the much-needed rain.The whistling wild wind threatensto drive away the poor rain.The fronds of the coconut palms dance wildlyand the trunks oscillate in the fierce wind.The peacock enters with a proud colorful display.Farmers look up towards the sky with a prayer in their heart:Dear Lord, let there be monsoon again.Little children gather on the terraces of their housesto enjoy the bliss and wetness of the first rain.Women hurriedly collect dried clothes from the clothes’ lines.Birds are utterly confused and don’t know where to fly.The Sun and rain clouds play hide-and-seek.A bolt of lightning is seen in the western sky.Soon the rumbling thunder shatters the serenity of the evening as Heaven opens its gatesto pour out its soothing nectarand we know… monsoon is here again.

Gita Ashok