STORM
In the distance the thunder rolled disturbing the peace,
Louder and loud it screamed until silence did cease,
With the death of silence down came the pouring rain,
Straight it fell in heavy torrents, relentless it came,
Impatient to be released as if it were prison bound
And at last after many years true freedom it found.
There, sitting in the wetness, was a boy soaked to the skin,
Ragged his clothes, he looked so hungry, cold and thin,
He said he had no home, nowhere dry to go and stay,
He appeared so young only about twelve I would say.
Lost or homeless, this boy needed someone to really care,
Needed protection and warmth not left sitting out there.
I took his hand, he followed me, then I saw the stray
Dog also very wet, could he ever last another day!
“He’s my friend,” the boy said, “Only he cares,
We keep each other warm, what I steals we shares.”
My tears were hidden by the rain that fell so hard around,
A place for the two to live must surely have to be found.
At home I fed them, rubbed them down with a thick towel,
Slowly colour came to the boys face, no longer wore a scowl,
But a little light in his eyes, some hope shone inside there,
It almost seemed to me that he bowed his head in prayer.
A bath for both boy and dog, both now clean warm and dry.
I called the police, I hoped they would not make him cry.
That was years ago that we took those two poor strays in,
A shaggy dog and a small boy, so ragged, hungry and thin.
They never found his parents although long we all did try,
Yet he never said he missed them and I never saw him cry,
He stayed with us until he found the sweet love of his life,
I pray they will be happy and suffer no more pain and strife.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson December 19, 2002