the darkness rains shadows that sting and bite
tiny rocks pelted at baby skin
a little voice cries pitifully somewhere in the darkness
outside your window
you want to run, dodging the shadows, to save the voice
the little voice crying
but you cannot outrun darkness so you sit inside
quietly by the fire
watching the warmth glitter
listening to the wailing, the crying
you sit safe, convincing yourself you can do nothing
nothing but listen
the umbrella sits idle
by your rubber boots
and yellow rain-jacket

the voice begins to scream.