Permitted Entrance

He stood upon my porch Poised and ready to knock Yet, I had to open the door Before his hand hit the surface I immediately greeted him, Asking him to enter, take refuge From the seasons brutality “Kind sir?” he started with a whisper “Why have you allowed me loneliness in the cold?” I have seen his face many times But never before now, have I allowed him entrance I replied, “It was fear, fear for that I did not do, ever before” “It is with fear now, that I permit thee warmth, Fear that if I didn’t, all my chances would be gone” He smiled, placing a hand, gently on mine and saying, “Fear not, for your heart has always held compassion, It is with choice that you now share it. May the love Of the season now keep you warm and know The new year will be an even better one for you” With that, he bid farewell and left. Upon returning to my window later I could see his footprints leading from my door To the neighbors and to the many beyond. Christmas had come in the form if this stranger Who we actually always knew our whole lives.