A lightning bolt zig zags across the grey and ominous sky. I quickly slide my hand down from the metal pole to clutch the plastic handle of my umbrella. Thunder booms. I walked faster but stop to look down at the sidewalk. There I see an upside-down, ephemeral world; beautiful and transitory, a skyscraper in a puddle.
Ordinary sights
made extraordinary—
in a summer storm
A Haibun for Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday, Poet’s Choice of words.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Fantastic!
Thank you! 🙂
This was right by my mom’s place yesterday.
It takes an artist to notice that kind of thing.
Thank you! 🙂
🙂
Perfect!
Thank you very much, Linda!
I love this! There’s something about a summer storm, isn’t there?
Thank you, Jill. It was a little scary walking in it, but it wasn’t a big storm like the one we’re having right now! Fortunately, we’re both home. 🙂
Glad you’re safe!
Thank you! 🙂
I imagine that second vision as giving depth and clarity to the obscure.
Perhaps, Ken. I was on my way to my mom’s and kind of dreading it, so kind of a stop and find the beauty moment. Kerfe might be right that it’s a portal. 🙂
It’s a portal!
My daughter and I finally gave up waiting for it to stop and walked home from the subway in the rain today (we knew we should have taken that umbrella…). There’s definitely magic afoot in a thunderstorm.
Portal! Of course! I wasn’t thinking. . .
Yesterday evening the storms were much worse. I’m glad I wasn’t out–roads flooded all over the place and lots and lots of lightning. I’m glad you got home safely, if soaked!
The sun is out now, but they say the rain will be back again this evening. I will have an umbrella!
Good idea!
Splendid
Thank you!
A beautiful and imaginative Haibun, Merril! Loved it! ❤ xo
Thank you very much, Vashti!
You’re welcome. 🙂
Such a splendid photo. I guess it proves that sometimes we have to look down to see what’s up. 🙂
So true, Pam. Thanks!
Perfect – a skyscraper in a puddle! Ephemeral and transitory. P. B. Shelley’s Ozymandias comes to mind, a sandy setting not like your rainy one: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46565/ozymandias
Thank you, Marian. And for the link–though I do know Ozymandias. It’s one of my favorites.
What a sight it is. You have a keen eye for the unexpected beauty.
Thank you very much, Grace. I appreciate that you read this. 🙂
What a perfect moment you captured in time. I love watching a thunderstorm from inside where you are safe. Yikes, umbrellas are scary. The surreal world you found in a puddle. Now, that’s special. ❤
Thank you very much, Colleen!
Peaceful
Thank you.
I can see how that grabbed you:) Nicely done.
Pat
Thanks so much, Pat!
So rich in description of this fleeting moment! I can feel the rain and see the image…
Thank you for your kind comments and for taking me back to this. I remember the day I took that photo.
You’re welcome, Merril. Reader is fun with how it suggests post to view.
Ahh–got it!