I listened to the rain for hours; hitting windows, bouncing off rooftops, shimmering in the blue haze of a streetlight.

Parked on College Street in Montpelier, Vermont. Watching couples kiss as they walk out of bars. Running in the rain. Taking cover under tweed sportcoats, slickers, blue jean jackets. I see them in the glow of neon signs; red, yellow, blue, green. They are laughing. Why can’t I?

Midnight gets lonely. Leonard Cohen sings Hallelujah on the local public radio. I listen, keeping my eyes on the rain. The music goes in and out as thunder claps in the Northeastern sky. Water falls harder. I am by myself.

My girlfriend loved rain. We made love to its rhythm. In the morning light, we slept. Funny how things change.