Strange, Dark Night

The Strange, Dark Night

by Blanche Manos

I sat before the fireplace, A book upon my lap

Outside, the wind was howling

Inside, the fire was crackling.

A perfect night to nap.

I closed my eyes for just a minute

It could have been no more

When someone stepped upon my porch

And knocked upon my door.

Half asleep, I stumbled from my comfy chair

Some poor soul out in this storm?

I paused and asked, “Who’s there?”

My only answer was the wind,

I did not ask again as I knew not who might answer

And demand to be let in.

I threw more wood upon the fire

My thoughts of sleep had fled

I did not dare to leave the blaze

Nor tiptoe to my bed.

But when at last, the morning came

And with it came the sun

You can bet that I was glad

The strange dark night was done.