Out in the pouring night
Stacking lawn chairs
Against the wind,
I understand,
Rain wants to get in.
I understand rain
And its pact
With the wind.
But I need shelter,
And a second skin,
To keep me
Dry and warm.
A cup of hot tea
Soft music
And a fire in the grate;
Anything to reassure me
Even though it’s dark
And late,
I can be solitary.
Without, the window
Is filled
With moving shapes
A tree
Crooks a finger
Accusingly;
Still, the fire
Bubbles cheerily.
The animals
Aren’t worried
Or perceive
Anything derogatory,
So I can sleep
Through fallen trees,
Content
With my pack’s solidarity.