Poem: Sweet Smell

Sweet Smell

Dusty, hot and dry

the June sun has baked

the sidewalks.

Sudden rain reveals the smell of concrete

that is fresh and

unfamiliar.

The small debris that has gathered on the pavement is 

whisked away and trampled grass stands straighter and greener,

where moments before it had been crushed by rushing feet.

The dull thudding sound of tires in the street has turned

to a swoosh like a wave rushing on the beach in summer,

the tantalizing memory of vacation softens the air.

As the splashing drops loosen grime from the windows,

he closes the brown striped umbrella and secures it under his arm

letting the rain freckle mist in his curly hair.

It drips lusciously on his neck, tempting him to

take off his shoes and feel the warm, wet,

sweet-smelling cement under his toes.

The silver drops on the back of his hand glisten,
sparkling on fine dark blond hairs

and slide down the tips of his slender fingers 
like singular gems.