雨今天

At the first few rumbles that ripped across the sky I didn't bother to look out the window. I'm so used to the never-ending fireworks that the prospect of thunder seemed about as likely as a clear blue sky. For the first time in 6 months I am watching the awesome power of a storm. Lightening stretches across the sky in streaks that seem to reach from another world. It might be hard to believe but one of the things I miss about Oklahoma (yes there are some things) is the thunderstorms. It rains at least 50% of the time in China but until tonight I had not seen lightening or heard thunder. It's been more of a constant depressing drizzle that hides the sun and chills the bones. The wimpy little rain drops can barely even be felt. Tonight's thunder doesn't rival an Oklahoma storm but it's attempt is enough to satisfy me. For a few moments the entire campus gets illuminated in an eery glow. I thought for a second that my power had gone out again, but to my relief it's just the switch in my living room has had enough of my constant handling, so Christmas lights provide the only relief from my view of the brief flashes outside. It's too dark to know if the sky is turning greenish but I have a feeling the excitement of tornado season is going to bypass me completely this year. A storm's might is a vivid reminder of the awe the heavens hold. I'm going to sit back and enjoy the fury until it has spent all of its energy.

How many times must a man look up

Before he can see the sky?

Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have

Before he can hear people cry?

Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows

That too many people have died?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,

The answer is blowin' in the wind.

-The Great Bob Dylan