Few are the times that I've known fear,
Just three such memories, stand out clear.
Two when death seemed near at hand,
One due to height, and one quick-sand.
The third, the one that scared me most,
As a school-boy living on the coast.
I'd been out shopping all alone,
To buy a gift, I longed to own,
With pennies saved, from errands earned,
I bought the gift for which I yearned.
Grasping it as though 'twer gold'
I hurried through the dark and cold.
Ere long the rain began to fall,
So I took shelter near a wall.
Soon my clothes were soaking wet,
As was my precious writing set.
The thunder boomed, and lightning flashed,
As the last half mile I dashed.
Suddenly all lights went out,
My heart was filled with fear and doubt.
The downpour ceased, then not a sound.
Pitch black, no sign of life around.
I thought the end of the world had come.
Then panic struck, my senses numb,
What if all but me were dead?
Such were the thoughts, that filled my head.
Was I doomed to endless night?
Would I ever use my "set", to write?
My heart was throbbing, fit to burst,
I ran toward home, to learn the worst.
As I passed the school, I knew so well,
A flash of lightning, struck the bell.
My fear dispersed, with that blinding flash.
And my sense returned, with the thunder's crash.
I soon was home, clothes changed and dry.
Using the "set" I'd been out to buy.
I lost my fear of storms that day,
Now, I enjoy a lightning display.
There are few sights, more thrilling to see.
But I won’t forget that
one, believe you me.