October rain

He awoke that cold October morning

Thursday would mean the weekend soon.

He stretched and yawned – went down the walkway

And drove to work beneath that setting moon.

Traffic was slower than its normal.

Rain mists rose up like vengeful ghosts.

His radio warned of the trouble

And he prayed he’d make it to his post.

You never know the fates that play

Changing our lives on a prayer and whim

We can only live for each passing moment

And find our love in family and in Him.

There was a close call on the highway

He could feel his heart sink and let go.

Sliding tires on fast and unforgiving asphalt.

He had thought this was his final road.

But something stepped in that last instant

And he thanked the Lord for living twice.

The final thoughts he’d have that moment

Were of his two small children and his wife.

The work day was uneventful

And he was glad that it was almost done.

He was counting down the moments

Until he could leave to find his home.

You never know the fates that play

Changing our lives on a prayer and a whim.

We can only live for each passing moment

And find our love in family and in Him.

At the end of my day – I seen the lights

I heard the sirens and panicked voices.

I thought about all of my own close calls

And reflected briefly on a few choices.

Someone was down – they all agreed.

His was not moving – no response.

The October rain was falling harder

He had lived – but only once.

His heart had given out on him

The angels took him far from home.

The wet walkway seemed haunted now

And his family seemed distant and alone.

You never now the fates that play

Changing our lives on a prayer and a whim.

We can only live for each passing moment

And find our love in family and in Him

October 27, 2006 Lori S. Maynard