WARMTH AND SAFETY
He fumbled in his pocket for the latch key,
The snow fell so heavy he could hardly see,
Ankle deep already the snow was on the ground,
What would happen if his key could not be found?

No lights on at the neighbour, the street dark and still,
Only the relentless pure white snow falling at will,
Burying all around and he still could not find his key,
There maybe one under the plant pot for an emergency.

Relief surged through his body, the spare was there,
For his body was beginning to feel numb everywhere,
Ice cold hands struggled with the key in the lock,
Every muscle really shaking with cold and shock.

At last he was safe inside, but no lights worked at all,
There should be a flashlight hanging up by the wall,
Candles and matches placed by the bathroom door,
And an old oil lamp trimmed on the hallway floor.

Yes, first the flashlight, see to light the candles and lamp,
Then light to see to set the fire, hoping nothing’s damp,
A flicker or two and then a crackle, the fire was alight,
Soon the home was getting warm and shining in the night.

He was glad he had a wife who always did prepare,
He thought of the times he grumbled, or going spare,
Because tucked away in the hall or by the bathroom door
Were things they’d never need always sitting on the floor.

Now he said a deep, thankful prayer to God in heaven above,
For being safe and warm, even a meal could be cooked in love
Over the fire and the top of the stove hot food could be had
When everyone arrived home, no one would be cold or sad.

All around was darkness their home a safe beacon of light
Glowing in the harsh falling snow a guide to those who fight
Their way home from afar, when no other lights are seen at all,
That night it guide family, friends and even strangers to call.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson January 2, 2004