Before Her Door

I stood before her door not knowing why

And yet I bothered its tranquility

By knocking, unable to pass it by

Unsure someone like her would welcome me

Into her world, into her own household

Or if she was not there to let me in.

I turned away, sensitive to the cold

Self-conscious of the color of my skin

Her neighbors regarded with suspicion.

Then I prepared for anger but not joy

Nor tears welling at first recognition

Nor the love bitterness did not destroy

Nor flicker of thanks for an answered prayer

With God reason enough for being kind

When life does not give a reason to care

And it is hard to put cruelty behind.