my memory
began
with a storm
a brown townhouse
in a cul de sac world
with open garage doors
mother's
comforting words
and a grandfather's hand
solid and reassuring
the storm was my first experience
with fear and consolation
lightening
darted and crashed
while the wind moaned and forced
its destruction into our minds
"Everything's o.k. It will be all over soon."
and with those magic words
sleep and peace came on
with a gentle rain