Gutters

I know gutters are supposed to carry rain away from foundations to keep basements dry. I know you can buy gutter guards to keep them free of leaves to ensure efficiency. 

But sitting here with the windows ajar on a rainy day in arms reach of summer, I am reminded of something more that gutters do. Ting drops striking metal. Pitter-patter falling onto softened leaves piled high. Gurgle downspouts clogged with twigs. Splash lawns at the end of extended tubes.  

Strings, percussions, and winds bring symphonies to life, but nothing sounds as gentle as aging gutters in the rain. 

Something about the worn and slightly broken feels better than brand new. Slippers with soles so thin they feel more sock than shoe. Plaid shirts with threadbare elbows and missing middle buttons. Hats once too tight, fitting as though custom-made. So much of what we love takes time to accommodate.  

The list stuck by magnet to our refrigerator includes the task of gutter cleaning. Lucky for me, now that the rain is falling, I can hear them working perfectly. Eventually, they will need to be cleaned. Everything needs attention to continue.  

But on this rainy day, I am going to embrace my newest rationale: uncleaned gutters turn rain into music – letting them fill with leaves is the least I can do for those listening to the world with their hearts.