Salekhard 205

Rain sounds the same on a metal roof here as it does at home-

pitter, patter when gently falling,

a pounding cadence when there is a downpour-

pleasant, musical, relaxing.

The first rains of the season,

bring the same things here as they do in Grayson-

the smell of spring,

the emergence of fresh green growth.

A steady downpour of rain on a dirt and gravel road,

regardless of geographical location,

produces ruts, puddles, more challenging driving,

bumpy riding and thanksgiving for good shocks.

“It’s not raining anymore!”,

with pure excitement by the youngest sister.

“Soon it is going to be summer”,

matter of fact, practical older sister responds.

In many ways, life here is not so different.