Storm Comin'

     I'm used to, by now, putting my artwork out into the world for people to view and possibly comment on. With the exception of my blog posts, it's rare that I share my writing. I need to get over it. I did this little illustration to go with a writing exercise I did for the writing prompt: Explain lightning to a five year old.

STORM COMIN'

      Close your eyes, child. Can you smell the rain? It’s comin’. 

      Shhhh. Hush now. Listen to the thunder boomin’ in the distance. It’ll be here soon.

      See how dark the sky is over that field? That’s the backdrop for the show.

      Now pick up your things and let’s move inside the house. We can watch everything from Grandma’s picture window.

     Let’s turn this chair 'round so we’re facin' out front. Come on up here on Grandma’s lap. There now. All cozy? 

     Look at it comin’. See how the rain is fallin’ in the distance? Look at it pour! That’s what you call buckets ‘o rain. Ever hear of it rainin’ cats and dogs? Well that right there is lions and wolves comin’ at us. Are you ready? Don’t be frightened, Baby. We’re all safe inside here.

     Oh my! That’s what you call lightning. Did you see that? That was a beauty! I just love the way lightning snakes and sizzles its way down through the sky like that. All that energy can’t just come down in one beam of light. It breaks out of that one beam and jaggedy jumps in all kinds of directions.

     Oh! There’s another! 

     Listen. Let’s count. One . . . two . . . three . . . four. . . Hear that? That’s the thunder come followin’ that lightning. The less numbers you can reach, the closer the storm is gettin’.

     Haha! That one was beautiful! Let’s count. One . . . two . . . thr . . . Ooooo! It’s almost upon us. Close your eyes again. 

     Listen. 

     There. 

     Grandma loves the sound of rain dancin' on the roof, and me knowin’ I’m safe and dry, and God out there real close, waterin’ my garden and givin’ drinks to those in need.

     Oh my! I think we both jumped! Haha! This is a good show isn’t it? Grandma sure does love a storm. Can’t think of anyone else I’d rather be enjoyin’ this show with either.

     What do you think?

     Hmmm?

     Child?

     Awe, Sweetheart. You just go right on sleepin’.  Grandma’s got you right here. All safe and dry.