<br><br><center>![2059539.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRkHDXhHDHe5PvXrXRwg3obgieowz94PJ6DLhGfFdEi1N/2059539.jpg)</center>


<br><br><center>I understand elementals—


<br>Out in the pouring night
Stacking lawn chairs 
Against the wind,

I understand,
The rain wants to get in.


<br>I understand rain
And its pact
With the wind.

I need shelter,
A second skin,
To keep me
Dry and warm.

<br>So, I go into the quiet house
Up to my darkened room
And get a sweater…

Anything to comfort
Or embrace me;

<br>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;

<br>Even though the window
Is filled
With moving shapes

And the tree
Crooks a finger
In its interrogatory,

The fire still
Bubbles cheerily.

<br>The animals
Aren’t worried

Or perceive
Anything derogatory,

So I can safely sleep
Through fallen trees,

Content 
With my pack’s solidarity.</center>

<br><br><center>© 2019, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>

<br><br><center>[Photo]( https://www.ginagrundemann.com/artwork/24524-2059539/Available-Paintings/Painting/Oil/Allegorical/shelter-below-the-storm.html    )</center>
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