We are late
in the hour of our arrival.
The journey
was not a particularly long one,
but a winter storm blew in
and left us
without a path to follow.
Picking our way
through the forest.
Pushing through
the drifted snow.
Risking injury,
or misdirection,
getting lost
out in the wild.
But we have our wits,
and we have our cunning.
Sturdy boots,
and warm coats.
Strong legs,
and knowledge
of this place,
and many others.
We are late
when we arrive at your door,
but when we knock
you kindly open.
You invite us in
to sit and warm ourselves
by your brightly burning hearth.
We tell you of our journey
and how we hope
we have not worried you.
Again,
we apologize for our lateness.
You smile and laugh,
eyes bright in the fire light.
Handing us each
a glass of warm, spiced wine,
you say
you never doubted us
for an instant.
DJR – 2023
