Out in the pouring night
Stacking lawn chairs
Against the wind,
I understand,
The rain wants to get in.
I understand rain
And its pact
With the wind.
I need shelter,
A second skin,
To keep me
Dry and warm.
So, I go into the quiet house
Up to my darkened room
And get a sweater…
Anything to comfort
Or embrace me;
A cup of hot tea
Soft music
And a fire in the grate;
Anything to reassure me
This storm
Will pass...
And even though it’s dark
And late
I can be solitary;
Even though the window
Is filled
With moving shapes
And the tree
Crooks a finger
In its interrogatory,
The fire still
Bubbles cheerily.
The animals
Aren’t worried
Or perceive
Anything derogatory,
So I can safely sleep
Through fallen trees,
Content
With my pack’s solidarity.