Shelter in a storm

He waits watching the dark cloudy sky
His bicycle with all his worldly goods
Under the shelter of an awning
At a boarded up gas station
In the middle of nowhere New Mexico

A old woman pulls in driving an old RV
Seeking shelter from the wind and rain
Wanting to avoid the leaks that a strong rain brings
They sneak glances at each other in between studying the clouds
Should I stay or should I go they each think

Maybe if I pretend not to notice him/her
Keep my distance but stay aware
The storm blows in and attention goes
To howling wind and blowing rain
Then it ends and without looking back they leave

Having spent half an hour waiting
Letting Mother Nature have her way outside
Enjoying the shelter of the ruined building
Not afraid but mindful of the stranger
Sharing a space on this planet for a time

--Margaret Westlake
April 22, 2016