The rain in the night is torrential and unceasing, a stuck valve freed and now drawing from some inexhaustible pool, months of pent-up demand set loose. It’s not been this wet since I-don’t-remember-when; rainwater sluices down the steep driveway hill, the pond rises to nearly its normal level, and come morning my jeans are still damp from the rain they absorbed during yesterday’s evening chores.
I walk outside barefoot to grind my coffee and watch the dark lift. The ground is pliant and warm. The air is dense. The cats climb the fence posts of the paddock and perch atop them, feet tucked, tails twitching. Beyond, the cows are lying on the dwindling pasture, soft shapes I might not recognize if I didn’t know better.
Back inside, I light the fire for my breakfast. The cats return, wet and mewling and expectant, though for what, I’m not certain. I fry eggs and eat them straight from the pan. It’s day now. The cows have risen; they’re ambling westward, drawn by some deep bovine instinct, or maybe the memory of sweet grass, or perhaps nothing so much as that good feeling of moving in that dim morning light.
Music. Here’s a great cover of Robert Earl Keen’s Shades of Grey by Jason Boland. And a new one from Zach Bryan. Hope you like.
Ben Hewitt 
Wonderful sights, sounds, and smells!
Thanks, Becky
You’re very welcome, Ben!
I can feel what you write, as always. Thanks for that!
Thank you, Dawn
Lovely
Thanks, Renee
Such a powerful first and last sentence Ben! Great writing all around. And those first two verses of Zach Bryan’s song really speak to me right now. Seems like we’ve had all the rain this past spring and summer here in WV that you have not. Our apple trees are currently plagued with scab as they were after last year’s wetness as well. Everything else is thriving as it would in a jungle.
Thanks Megan. Fin said he met you down at Gauley Fest!
Yes!! Risked life and limb to catch hats thrown by Dane Jackson! It was great to meet Fin! He’d be more than welcome to stay on our farm anytime he wants to paddle in the NRG area.
haha, yes, that’d definitely be something he was willing to risk life and limb for. He loves that area, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you find him on your doorstep someday. Thank you for the offer.
And boy didn’t the ground drink it up fast!