June Gloom

by Susan Miller

The weatherman calls it June Gloom.

This early morning, late afternoon clouds.

A night of fog, becoming a morning of haze and drizzle.

But how can this be gloom if it makes me happy?

The way the fog spills over the mountain ridges into the valley.

Like mounds of whipped cream overflowing the bowl.

Grassy early morning smell of damp earth

Prickles of cool breezes on my skin.

Eternal California sun and blue sky forced to hide out for a bit

Biding their time

Waiting to peek out from behind.

Then, as if by magic

Clouds dissolve to wisps and disappear.

Curtains pulled back for the dramatic reveal.

Of another beautiful day.