Angel In a Whirlwind

Angel in a Whirlwind Storm of the decade descends upon the day Torrents of howling rainfall flood the streets Banshee winds whip trees, waves upon the bay Gloomy clouds shadow skies – sunlight in retreat. Faithful Wheaten, Snickers, too weak to stand Brightest amber terrier eyes listless in the storm The rainbow bridge calls to you – gentle command My broken heart in gusts of windswept mourn. Now the daylight leaves early – taking the light; Winter’s hand lays heavy upon the sky; My tears fall like raindrops dotting the night; Comfort alludes me in the fading light. Faithful childhood friend embraces my sorrow Dinner invitation and shopping at the mall “Come tonight - please don’t wait until tomorrow.” Our old habits die hard – we hear the mall call. Standing on a corner a lady with a Wheaten puppy Not a hair out of place – not waterlogged or soggy All felt calm around her – the chaos ceased - The wind stopped howling in her chrysalis of peace. Jumping up in greeting just like beloved Snickers I said farewell with teary eyes in a rain soaked slicker Pain vanished like a phantom – angelic smile released; Gentleness of this grace put my heart at ease. One last question posed “Where did you find your pup?” Directed to a breeder – my hope rising up One last puppy longing, waiting for a home Littermates with new families – this one all alone. The world stopped spinning on winter’s wings Warm brown eyes, soft grey ears helped pain lose its sting Cuddled in our arms softly sleeping in the night. Theodore our new pup – name means gift of God and light. Angel in a whirlwind, I never saw your wings But I know you were God’s messenger like crocus for the spring My heart filled with gratitude for your mission to this child And I’ve been seeing angels ever since the storm. This is a true story. Poet was in Seattle when we lost our second Wheaten Terrier, Snickers, to kidney failure in California. Poet believes God sent a messenger – maybe heavenly, maybe earthly – to guide us to Theodore Edgar Bear, Ted E. Bear alias Ted – a messenger in a storm. The name Theodore is Greek for gift of God. 12-28-21 Contest: Divine Intervention Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke