To all the storms I've chased.

Years I spent, catching the hint of a breeze, the sweet smell of rain, but nothing could have prepared me for you. You swept in and lit up my life, electric, dancing winds swirled above my head, descending playfully to toss my hair, an occasional drop of rain bouncing lightly off my cheek. Just when I began to comprehend, and I reached out my hand to embrace, you slipped through my fingers, elusively, and then you were gone.. and I was left standing in your wake, my hair tousled and wind-blown, eyes wide with shock, longing for more, even a hint of what I had experienced, and instead left empty, alone. I did not understand, then.

I had caught a taste and wanted more.. I followed another storm, and new sensations filled my world. Young and inexperienced, but bright, and full of wonder, I laughed and loved and enjoyed the ride while it lasted.

So engaged was I in chasing storms that I did not notice the tremors beneath me. My very foundation collapsed, and I found myself standing on the edge of a chasm, lost and frightened. When my world below me crumbled, I looked to the skies, and I found you. Warm and comforting, you carried me to the clouds, and together we created our own world, an escape from cold reality. Nurtured by your warm gentle winds I lay, protected, until I was again ready to fly.

Gathering clouds in the distance held my gaze. Flickers of light and dark played on the surface and belied the torrential winds within. A new storm approached on the horizon, and I longed for a taste. Rare and complex, I yearned to capture, to tame the raw power and beauty I beheld, but in vain. The time we spent, however, was precious; my own storm within me grew, and in turn I watched yours develop and refine, and what started as something unique became truly magnificent. At a distance, now, we feed of the force of the other, each more intense and passionate from what is shared.

For a while I spent much time alone. A beautiful storm passed by, but I did not chase; I waited, gathering my strength, learning to live on my own. And then, there was you.

Dark, brooding clouds whispered the promise of something tantalizing. For the first time, I found myself drawn inexorably toward the certain danger which my intuition sensed. This storm was different; its violent winds careened about carelessly, swirling inward, both powerful and self-destructive. There could be only one outcome of this chase; I would get hurt, and I knew it. I didn't care. Intoxicated, I became swept up, and only too late did I try to escape, to find myself dragged helplessly ever inward. Finally I pulled away, weathered, torn, longing for solace.

I emerged broken and vulnerable. Blinking, I stepped into the sun, and a light breeze turned my head. Warm rain washed me clean; I embraced the sensation. You were a light summer rain to rejuvenate my mind and heart.

Now, I'm ready to return to the real storm chasing. Perhaps, this time, I'll let the storms chase me.