Rain

noun

1.

water that is condensed from the aqueous vapor in the atmosphere and falls to earth in drops.

There you have it, the definition of rain. Water accumulated in clouds… falls.

In terms of natural phenomenon, precipitation is not hard to understand or recognize. As vital as the sun, and as famous as the moon, rain is impossible to ignore and unfeasible to live without.

And yet, rain is a romanticized weather pattern, often constructed to exist as a spiritual presence or lofty metaphor fragment. Indeed, water falling from the sky is often shadowing an emotion or highlighting a moment in poetry or other weighty literature. Why perceive a shower to be a mere leakage of condensed condensation when it can mean something more? Rain is destruction. Rain is rebirth. Rain is beauty. Rain is desolation. Rain is verve.

Rain is rooted in human consciousness.

However, in the everyday activity, precipitation is more often then not, regarded as a nuisance. It restricts outside activity, soaks those who wander through it, leaks through roofs, holds up traffic, cancels anticipated activities, and seems to pull a moody attitude out of many.

People either “love rain” or “hate rain”. They enjoy splashing in puddles, or they can’t stand wet feet. They appreciate the pattering on the roof, or fear drips slipping through. They relish in its demanding presence, or curse it for ruining their day.

I, for one, consider rain a force that cannot be reckoned with. It dominates every moment in which it falls and is powerless to nothing. Including humans. Yes, including humans. And there is something unnerving and strange and wonderful that comes with the awareness of your own powerlessness.

Perhaps a way of exercising a little control over rain is to define it scientifically, or assign it lofty concepts, or regard it as a mere inconvenience. Classification prevents fear. But fear lingers. Because there is no guarantee that the water it will stop, or relent, or not drown us all.

Maybe rain is just a reminder that we don’t rule this earth. A demonstration of authority. Sheets of stony water pouring down on us, is certainly a statement that can’t be ignored.