The wind is getting stronger and the thunder louder.
There is always the ghost of fear of thunder from my early childhood; fear because I did not know what caused the terrible, threatening sound. Now, of course, there is no mystery because it has been replaced by wonder at the majesty of the natural world around me.
The wind sweeps the discarded branches and failing leaves from the trees, falling rain washes settled dust from the leaves, improves the trees' photosynthesis, and provides water for all the creatures. The storm clears the air of dust and dilutes pollutants.
The large, cold first raindrops interrupt my reviere and I turn and run to the safety of home, followed closely by my loyal dog in our old game of "run home".
