It’s far too dark for 3 p.m.
You’re too far gone to notice when
I slip outside and close the door
and walk directly toward the storm

The rain falls slowly, then in sheets
An icy pelt on my bare feet
The wind picks up with every step
The air grows thicker every breath

A flash of lightning splits the sky
The thunder isn’t far behind
I make a move to turn around
and notice something on the ground

I squint to get a closer look
And see that it’s a soggy book
I blink the rain out of my eyes
The title takes me by surprise:

“You Can Do It,” all in bold
I feel a flush despite the cold
I pick it up and wipe it off
and start to read it as I walk

The rain subsides as I slip in
The droplets clinging to my skin
I quietly begin to pack
and know, this time, I won’t go back