Redemption

Then later heard the wind
Thunder in tall maples
Boiling like water
In a cauldron

It was no surprise
When the first black raindrops fell
Splattered like black cherries
Upon the walk

And the moanings and gnashings
As the rain wrestled with the wind
Overturning tables
On the patio

The streets were desolate
And the streetlamps glare
Turned to bars of gold
Across the road

And night turned from fair
To bitter cold
But still no one came there

And a roof’s overhang
Was small shelter against the wind
But I lingered
Determined to the end

Until just past midnight
When all hope was lost
I saw you emerge
From the dark

And cross the road
Into my arms…
Your small gesture
Redeeming
A whole night’s harms.