Come In, Dear Friend

All heaven's hosts rise early Autumn nights A million stars a-twinkling merrily The moon reflecting sun's diurnal light Silhouetting lovers, snuggling cozily My fireplace crackles, warming slippered toes A whistle from the kettle on the stove The doorbell rings; in cold like this, who goes Come in, dear friend, do not this cold night rove The stranger enters, shiv'ring head to toe His face pale blue above his knitted brow Removes his gloves; into his hands he blows He would yet tell his tale, but knows not how Exhausted steps, and then he stumbles, falls ~His story's buried deep within my walls (Iambic Pentameter)