it was like this when I could not determine if it was a patient unfolding or a protective shutter. the rain falls. i hear the drops land on the plateaus of broad hollyhock leaves. i see it drip off the pointed end of long lilies . i see the water collect in this crevice or in that fold. but not you. you take it in as you need and even with all these hours of steady pouring you do this like you are keeping sun out of your eyes. like you have thrown your arm up over your face. you have your ways and I am so relieved by this.