COLD COLOGNE RAIN

Bone chilling wetness

The steel grey sky

Weeps in November gloominess

Cold

Damp

Mesmerized

I stroll in exploration

My attentions focused on an umbrella

Temporary shelter from the drab drizzle

German version of a dollar store

The young salesclerk

Well tanned

Spiked hair

With mustard color tints

Perhaps in his early twenties

His mischievous prank on this soaked American tourist

Produced a child’s umbrella for my requirements

Bright neon orange

Adorned with the face of a goofy cartoon bear

We both laugh hysterically

A joke well done

I meet a Turkish gentleman

So cordial and debonair

In his ankle length overcoat

Long black ponytail

Eyes of black coal

We walk together in genial fellowship

Suddenly

A speeding car ignores the pedestrian crossing sign

The small sedan screeches to a halt

Precariously close to his stiffened body

His icy stare was most unnerving

As he faced the motorist in silent defiance

If looks could indeed kill

I would have been witness to my first murder

For a brief moment

My mind feared for the life of the driver

But then

As quickly as his explosive temper had flared

His gracious demeanor returned

He smiled at me with extreme satisfaction

His point was made

Without bloodshed

Off he went to his next encounter

He left no doubts this rainy day

That justice was served

Beautiful girls of every color

Tight jeans and knee high boots

Handsome males

Mysterious

Fortified

The cheerful glow of the children

Creed unimportant

Each precious face

Sports the same innocent smile

So many unique stories here

Behind every new disguise

I salute this rich diversity

Unique cultural encounters

So proud to be a part

Of this wonderful deep episode

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005