Emerald Spirits - Maeengan Linklater

As a child,
In winter’s night
Devoid of cloud
Blowing snow
With hidden moon

I could touch
The stars
Listen to whispered legends
Swaying at the tip
Of pine shadows
Outlined
Against emerald
Northern lights
Unfolding
And streaking
Across the northern sky

Walking home
With mom
Crunching snow
With feet
Holding hands

“Don’t point at the Northern Lights!”
She would say,

“How come?”
“Those are spirits
Who’ll take your hand
And, take you away from me.”

“Oh.”

But, those stars
Are close tonight
Waiting to be picked
Sparking temptation
To a child
Who never knew
Until tonight
About the emerald spirits
In his homeland