Missionary Work

by Linda Campbell Staheli

Yesterday I was cold,

not tall enough to reach

the sun.

Taller ones than I

wrapped blankets around me,

Showed me how to plug

in the electric heater,

Gave me a candle

with a glowing flame,

And sold me solar heat

door to door.

Today I am surrounded,

warm enough to be content.

Tomorrow doors

will open,

Allowing warmth to scatter

to colder ones than I.