Nothing More

Storm clouds swallowed the fading light

Black trees thrashed in the savage wind

Ice-cold needles flew left and right

But one shadow staggered, lost within

Coat tails whipped behind his form

Both hands braced to keep his stance

Soaked clear through by driving storm

Still he forced himself to advance

The muck closed fast around his feet

His strength was draining, as he fought

One boot broke loose, he lost his seat

And sat there numb, without a thought

Grey muck clung thick to his clothes

He sat there still, too spent to rise

Then through the storm, warm light glows

A flash of amber caught his eyes

Hope struck hard, he scrambled blind

Boots slid useless through the mire

He stopped, regrouped, and fixed his mind

Then crawled ahead with sheer desire

Led by the mind, held by the heart

When all the world has worn you thin

Sometimes surviving is the start

Of finding where you’re welcomed in

One steady light, one open door

One place that asks for nothing more

A standing log flashed into view

One darkened seam confirmed its truth

The trees still dangled one last clue

He rounded one... and faced the proof

The cabin stood untouched by storm

He staggered hard toward the door

One weak knock swallowed by the storm

The next one found a little more

A bark broke through. A low voice stirred.

Footsteps crossed the floor inside.

The door swung wide without a word

Revealing a gentle smile and the warmest eyes.

Hot tears welled from his eyes, “Please” was his quiet plea.

The man stepped one pace back and softly offered sanctuary.

The storm fell back behind the door

Warmth wrapped close around his skin

One breath came deeper than before

And something quiet settled in

A gentle nudge against his knee

Drew his attention, turned his gaze

His stiff hands sank through fur with ease

He ruffled its head in wordless praise

A silent question, an answering smile

He carefully walked toward the chair

His body dismissed the long, brutal trial

And surrendered to sleep waiting there

A heavy throw was tucked around

His feet were raised with quiet care

The host returned without a sound

To rabbit stew still simmering there

Full weight and a whimpered whine

Coaxed him from his rest

His waking eyes read every sign

The throw, raised feet, the care expressed

Led by the mind, held by the heart

When all the world has worn you thin

Sometimes surviving is the start

You’ve found the place you’re welcomed in

One steady light, one open door

One place that asks for nothing more