Lightning illuminates the gnarled branches br Of the old tree outside the windowpane br Rain trickles down the glass in clear rivulets br But the storm inside is much worse than out br For inside rages an emotional storm br And those are always most severe br A man, all alone, grappling with his feelings br Twisting emotions of hatred, doubt, and pain br The picture most grim from where he sits br No hope in sight, he withdraws from the world br A metallic flash as the harsh fluorescents br Brilliantly illuminate the bitter end, serrated br Rain trickles down the glass in crimson rivulets br The storm inside having run its course br Subsides and gives in to the howling wind br As a lone man lies motionless on gleaming tile br A smile stretching his lips at long lastbr br Elizabeth Sheafferbr br