subtle bite of morning

they are the puddles of water in the road that send his car

nervous warnings

startled merge of consciousness

yet as he traverses and settles on his bearing the tires throw out a surge of water

weaving north in the dark

sudden gusts and swirling rain

that make him shiver

reminded of a time he lost his footing

tipsy drunk

ace of spades

he fell at their feet

her test of his faith

he met his match

to find a forgiving friend

to right his path