he got caught
in a downpour
on what seemed like
the sunniest of days
when he stopped
for a coffee
he didn't really need
and hadn't noticed
the sky's shifting grey
he would have been
home long before
the storm came
if he had kept walking
but the torrent
began so suddenly

one of those where
the raindrops
feel enormous
every impact
an undeserved
or unwelcome
pat on the back
with neither
umbrella or coat
he found cover in
a sheltered alley
between two buildings
and begrudgingly
chose to wait

two buoyant women
elderly but clearly
not showing their age
scampered playfully
into his refuge
their umbrellas
forgotten for now
while their mood
somehow remained
remarkably well disposed
even though
those webs of nylon
had protected only
heads and shoulders
while their lower halves
had become saturated
they seemed not to care
greeting him with a grin
they chatted and gestured
and laughed

he would have no idea
what their story was
where they were going
or coming from
but in those moments
sheltering amidst
their joie-de-vivre
his frustration was
dampened
             ironically
and with a smile
that would last
his entire walk home
he stepped out into
the ongoing deluge