Country Rain

Slip off my shoes
Slide off my socks
Shimmy out of my school clothes
Suck in a scream
Let it out with the open door
Dance in each puddle
Twirl under the oak leaves
Comfort frantic dogs that
Surround me crying out their distress
Mosh in the deep field
Streak back into the house
Run away from the eyes of drivers-by
Rain-soaked, frozen, breathless
Slip towards the dryer
Slide off what's left and wet
Shimmy to the bath
Suck in a gasp
Let it out with hot water and closed door.

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Clelie Ancelet, age 17
2008 Finalist
Scott, Louisiana
Lafayette High School
Teacher: Laurie Godshall