Rain

"Why look up? There's no point." M.E.


Rain
The utterly lost forlorn feeling that rain creates as it permeates the citizens of Portland must come to an end...someday.
Typical Oregonians wouldn't be caught dead complaining about the weather. The other day two women were walking in the rain without umbrellas. I passed them on the street, also without an umbrella. We caught each other's eyes and I commented on our mutual lack of covering. They laughed and said they were from Oregon, implying they didn't need an umbrella!
I couldn't help thinking that the women did too need umbrellas, they were drenched.
I kept walking.

Overcast Skies
At first no one even notices. Gray is gray, so what? After a while, the never ending need for sleep, constant shallow mood and pessimistic outlook start pointing fingers at each other, each blaming the other for his presence. I have heard an Oregonian or two say if you make it through a winter, summertime will never let you leave. Since only the strong survive, it is no wonder Portland is full of such warm hearted people.
I may be forced to leave after all.

Puddles
You know those ugly plastic barn boots that you see out shopping? That you used to wear when you were little solely for the purpose of Saturday morning puddle pounding? Yeah, people wear those here. Not because they want to either. My poor suede scrunch boots will never see the light of day, not that light exists to be seen anyway. Deadly holes have taken over the soles and when worn outside the rain seeps in and climbs up my leg soaking my sock and leg of my pants.
Happy? Not so much.