An evening of rain by Padmaja Battani

You saw me walking

In the rain holding

My broken umbrella

Folded and inoperable

Rainwaters ruthlessly

Drenching me

Once I used to enjoy

The rain, splashing water

Caressing my face,

Aroma of rain-soaked

Earth filling my heart

You invited me into

Your humble haven

Offering a worn towel

To dry my dripping hair

You made tea

And handed a steaming

Cup with an apology

For missing sugar and milk

Raindrops drumming

Accustomed tunes,

Warmth from your smile

And the tea tasted

Precisely like the one

Mother used to serve us

When there was no supper 

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Padmaja Battani, originally from India, lives in Connecticut.  She received an MA in English Literature.  Her prose and poetry appeared in Sierra Poetry Festival, Trouvaille Review, New Pages, Coffee People Magazine, Black Cat Magazine and others. Her latest passion is hiking. She is currently working on a Poetry Collection.