In the woods today, I got caught out in a thunderstorm. First indication was the tornado sirens. It got dark. A few drops, a flash. Then it opened up. The trails turned to rivers, my shoes filled. The closest droplets shone white as they fell. The leaves turned over to their bright undersides. All the dirt and sweat was washed from me.

In the aftermath, I passed a Cooper’s hawk sitting on a wire so bedraggled at first I thought he was a vulture. His look said, “Please, I do not have the energy to fly away right now.” I assured him I had no intention.

The loudest thunderclaps didn’t come til I’d made it home.