THE COLD EVENING


The trees tall stretching upwards
She can't remember where she left her shoes
No one is around, she hears voices
They are very far off

She has been wandering around the woods
Barefoot and with tears in her eyes
She doesn't know for how long
Her young mind tells her it has been very long

She is hungry and her tummy is making noises
She tries to walk toward the voices
Yelling out loud mommy and daddy
There is no response except the wind through branches

The cold of evening begins to spread through her small body
She wonders about wolves and other animals
From fairy tales she has been told before bed
Every sound of cracking wood or change in light

Heightens her fears, her feet very cold
They begin to hurt and she sits crying all alone
The sky turns gray and menacing
She turns quickly then shouts in joy

They come to her and gather her in their arms
The most welcomed place in her heart
Smothered with kisses
The cold and fear vanish into the night, she is home

Michael V Hechtman Copyright 2000