Wind, Rain, and Words

The wind  comes
whooshing and swishing
whipping and piping
stirring every grain of sand on the ground
and sending all aloft to sail where they will
-through every door and window, opened or closed.

They slide like thieves
through the tiniest cracks and crevices
to coat the wooden benches of the empty cathedral
cancelling weddings and covering hallways with a slippery film.

Outside our window
the evergreen sways and bends in the gale,
providing no shelter or peace to any passing bird.
The distant view is obscured,
Shops are shuttered, and students cancel classes
as we all wait for the promised rain
after the plague of dust has passed.
......

The rain comes hurtling into streets, settling the dust,
and on the beach, breakers overtake the Korniche,
where no one rides or strolls arm-in-arm.

The rain passes, leaving chill winds behind.
I expect more cancellations,
but lo, my classroom comes alive
with the smiles and stories of students
brave enough to cross town,
to ferry across the canal to find their
warmth in the company of words.