Windy night wishes

A cold wind is howling outside.  I lay here in the deep darkness of the early morning, awake and listening.  The wind ebbs and flows like waves on the ocean shore. The rain makes a soft drum beat on the roof and occasionally clatters against the window near my head. The house creaks and groans when a strong wind blows and almost seems to be leaning into it to keep its footing.  Wrapped in warm blankets, my head on a soft pillow, I am content to be comfortable, dry, and safe from the weather.

In an effort to appreciate this moment, I close my eyes and imagine being outside.  Walking along the dark road, would be cold,  and I would just barely be hiding my face from the raw edge of the early winter wind. Chilled to the bone by wind and rain I would trudge along, tired and alone.  My feet are wet and the rain is beating upon my shoulders, occasionally trickling down my neck and sending chills through my body. Desperate and with no prospects for relief, I stop and sit under a large tree to rest.  I close my eyes and in a barely audible whisper, wish that I could be somewhere warm and dry.

When I open my eyes I am in my bed, looking into the early morning darkness again, comfortable and cozy.  With my wife cuddled beside me quietly breathing, I am content, happy and now a little sleepy.  As drowsiness begins to take a firm hold, random images and disconnected thoughts prance through my mind. I fade off into a restful slumber thinking how grand it is to have the power to make wishes come true.