We only got the trailing edge of yet another dust storm that hit the Valley tonight, but we did get some cool-colored clouds (a mix of yellow and salmon with glowing white edges) and some nice lightning to our north and east. Oh, and something like thirty drops of rain that evaporated as soon as it hit the still-warm pavement. Parts get a powerful storm with microbursts and downed trees, other parts get pretty clouds and a few drops of wet dust. Such is monsoon season around these parts. Me, I can do without the microbursts, but some rain would be most certainly welcome.

In the meantime, an ode to August and memories of a less desert-y and dusty place:

“I Remember August”

I remember August:
that breathy space before fall;
the long slow arc of the sun
touching the northern horizon.

I remember August:
its dampness confined to fog
pulled along the seashore’s edge
and into the bays and rivers.

I remember
silent waves rocking small stones:
shifting, slipping, and sliding
sibilant sighs and whisperings.

I remember
the hay lying cut and straight,
drying in the summer sun
waiting for the baler to come.

I remember August:
with the soft shade and shadows,
and the long hours of twilight
creeping slowly toward the night.

On this October rain day
I remember August.

— Pam Olson

Hat tip: Poemhunter.com