Riding in the Rain | Teen Ink

Riding in the Rain

December 19, 2014
By Woodson BRONZE, Camas, Washington
Woodson BRONZE, Camas, Washington
1 article 0 photos 1 comment

There’s something about the sound of rain,
the deluge of water, and its earthy smell,
splattering as it hits the asphalt.

Usually, I hide inside,
wrapped in blankets as I watch cartoons
and sip steaming potato cheese soup
and listen to the rain pelt our roof.

But today is different.
I am restless and am tired of this numbing complacency.
The pounding rain is calling me, almost like it’s daring me.
Daring me to come outside and feel its wicked power,
to be battered by torrents of water mercilessly hammering down on me.
So, I dash to the garage, hop onto my bike and accept the challenge.

Soon, my clothes are drenched to the skin with ice cold, exhilarating water.
My exuberance and adrenaline keep the chill at bay as I fly down the street.
My tires furiously clutch water droplets,
which spray my legs and back as marbles of frigid liquid strike my face.

Now, after almost a half hour, I’m still out, laughing and zipping up and down empty driveways.
I’m not heeding the rain’s threat of cold and this simple act of rebellion delights me.
I’ve defiantly endured the icy sting of the rain for long enough that I have begun to forget it.

I am no longer warm and secure,
but I am free.
Free to feel the deluge of water,
to watch the forests of ripples,
to drink in its earthy smell,
and listen to it,
as it splashes against the asphalt. 


The author's comments:

To me, this piece is about the freedom of letting go.


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This article has 7 comments.


Woodson BRONZE said...
on Mar. 26 2017 at 3:30 am
Woodson BRONZE, Camas, Washington
1 article 0 photos 1 comment
Thanks to everyone for all the very kind comments!

on Jul. 4 2015 at 1:16 pm
PianoKeys97 PLATINUM, Medford, New Jersey
22 articles 35 photos 59 comments

Favorite Quote:
"You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches." -Dita Von Teese

This is a fierce, yet beautiful piece. Every phrase builds up to the next until you can't seem to stop reading it. It has such a smooth flow of words and is just so sophisticated. There is so much imagery and creative usage I feel like I'm there in the poem. This is magazine-worthy! Keep up the great work.

on Dec. 31 2014 at 4:41 pm
Queen_Luna SILVER, Carbondale, Illinois
9 articles 0 photos 6 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Well she's walking through the clouds, with a circus mind that's running wild."
-Jimi Hendrix, "Little Wing"

I love this so much.

on Dec. 31 2014 at 1:42 pm
dsturnea2015 SILVER, Brunswick,
9 articles 0 photos 14 comments

Favorite Quote:
"When we hit our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change."

This is a flawless poem. Personally the third stanza was so moving and the description was personified to perfection.

on Dec. 31 2014 at 10:23 am
Bethany_Saint GOLD, Dexter, Maine
14 articles 0 photos 90 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Never regret something that once made you smile." - Amber Deckers

"Stories are more than just images. As you continue in the tale, you get to know the characters, motivations and conflicts that make up the core of the story...." - Livia Blackburne

This is amazing! Best free verse I've had the privilege of reading in a long time! Amazing work!

Swasher SILVER said...
on Dec. 31 2014 at 2:02 am
Swasher SILVER, Hsinchu County, Other
6 articles 0 photos 3 comments
When the burden is gone, when you've emptied your mind, when your soul is free, you'll notice that the world never stops changing. There's always something going on.

on Dec. 30 2014 at 11:41 pm
MariahPotter PLATINUM, Lansing, Michigan
39 articles 8 photos 74 comments

Favorite Quote:
“We dream in our waking moments, and walk in our sleep.” -scarlett letter

This should have been put in the magazine. Your tone and your fierce wording are remarkable and almost make the more playful parts (the parts where you say you're actually enjoying the pelting rain) sound satirical. The fun play on words... all of it was just impressive. Well done