The night seemed perfectly cast

stormy, thunder and rain--

the patient was biblical,

long hair and a beard

with his staff

at his command.

He put a paternal hand on me

and called me his finest creation

what could I do but thank him?

He smiled

with divine

patronization

undoubtedly

I was a much valued acolyte.

Then suddenly

a flash from the storm lit the building

in a momentary spectral glow,

a clap of thunder

howled down the locked ward.

He looked at me like a proud teacher

patting me on the back

"Good work kid, good work."