In the midst of quiet conversation
music pattering behind us
such closeness
an afternoon together,
unexpectedly

we heard rabid tappings.

snow?
rain so hard it could shatter
the street below?

a blur of white
danced across
the black street
beneath it.

we ran downstairs
stuck our tongues out
danny put out his hands
caught some white
it turned into
hail
in his hands.

as we danced,
our downstairs neighbor
opened his door
and said, "whoa."

the hail had been
raining down
for fifteen minutes
and he had not noticed.

we felt sorry
for that kid.