you stand in the rain
fighting the urge to step back in
clinging on to the hope that the sky will clear

you close your eyes
and try to embrace the rain
but it gets more torrential

you wonder if it will ever stop
and if it doesn't
will it at least cease to a drizzle

you clench your fists
willing, with every last ounce of resolve
that the patter will end

you feel a tug
and stumble backwards
drawing in a sharp breath

you feel...no more rhythmic patter
and slowly open your eyes
which are stinging from the impurities

you glance around
and as you regain your senses
feel a touch on your arm

you see an acquaintance
and you realize that it was he
who pulled you in from the rain

you get angry
and cry at his insolence
disgusted at his audacity to touch you

you watch him pull out a towel
and drapes it around your shoulders
when you realize that you're shivering

you see him walk away
with a knowing smile
leaving you to stare out at the simmering shower

you realize then
that there are some things
you just have to let go of