losing definition

Sometimes the rain slipping down my head
trying to ignore my outline
in its search for the bottom
can almost make me disappear
carrying away the characteristics of my face
and even the shapes of the clothes
I chose today
sliding, splashing, swallowing
me whole

I stand and let it be heedless of me
Its uncaring intimacy a relief -
deep touch,
after the hesitant brushes, and tentative approaches
of everyday in my skin

down down down
and I am nothing but wet
and if I move, the rain stays
effortlessly giving way and closing in behind
and I am still covered in its linear joy

The thunder threatens and then subsides
muttering imprecations to the earth
and the earth as always ignores it, turning slowly, thinking of other things . . .

One leaf is stripped and lies flat, pounded
The rest stay still, and drink
And I, not quite a part of this cycle, but drenched in it nevertheless
stand, wet, and smoking
breathing in the breath of the planet
surrounded by its life, and
feeling my soul becoming more firm
as the tangible melts in the rain
slipping away
slipping
slipping