We ran
into the large
hollowed out tree
half way up

the Sussex Downs
to get out
of the downpour of rain
we were drenched

our clothes hung on us
as if plastered
to our skins
her hair flattened

to her skull
or hung down
like rat's tails
touching

her damp shoulders
I felt the wet
tee-shirt
cling to my chest

as I moved
looking out
of a hole
at the side

of the tree
into the trees around
and the grey sky
through tall branches

above
didn't expect that
I said
smelling her scent

as she moved nearby
just as well
this tree was near
or we'd be worse

than we are now
Jane said
she brushed down
her soaking

flowered dress
with her hands
her white socks
and black shoes

looked bright
in the half light
what are we going
to do now?

I asked
wait until it stops
she said
maybe it was just

a passing shower
she looked out
at the glimpse
of sky

grey and dull
we'll catch a death
in these wet clothes
I said

they'll dry on us
she said
I could feel
the water squelch

in my shoes
as I pushed
my toes down
I guess soldiers

in World War One
had this problem
in the trenches
I said

wetness and such
feeling cold
and of course
they had bombs

and rats
and shells
and bullets whizzing
by the head

I guess
one should
be stoic
she said

after all
the rain will go
and we can
at least

go home and dry
and change
into other clothes
I don't feel stoic

I said
I feel
like a drenched dog
she looked at me

and laughed
you look
like a drenched dog
she said

her dress clung
to her body
revealing
her figure

showing each aspect
of her form
she looked up
at the sky

looks like
it may be
about to stop
she said

and as she moved
nearby me
a brush of her arm
sent tingles

along my nerves
thrilling me
but causing
an odd alarm.