Love's Reward

Each step I take is timid
Almost delicate against the cold concrete
I shudder as icy fingers search for warmth

My ragged shirt and thin shorts hang loosely from my body
I am naked to the awesome power that envelops me

I walk onward, deeper into the dark, wind, cold, rain
With each drop my skin erupts and another curl grows heavy
My bare feet tingle as step by step I move

In this moment pain devours my soul
It draws me forward
It pushes me to brave the storm

Through my tears I cry out
But when did I begin to cry?
I gasp for air and my eyes are drawn heavenward

The rain is blessedly cool as it washes away my tears
A gust of wind sends my hair into a frenzy
Lightning strikes and I am alone

I collapse onto the pavement
I embrace the cold, for it numbs my pain

As I sob, I begin to pray