The Silver Lining

Steam floats from the cracked ceramic coffee cup.

Thunder is more distant now, retreating

and the electric popping of the raindrops becomes irregular.

Cautiously, a robin releases a fervish chirp, signaling the beginning of the woodland chorus.

Clouds are rubbed away to reveal the rebellious patches of soft blue

and the rocking chair, smooth and worn with time and weather,

creaks to a silent stop.