A Gift

When I asked my mother what she wanted for Mother's Day this year, she asked for a poem.

I was surprised, but I'm game. The one I wrote for her was inspired by an entry in the Dictionary of Imaginary Places, so it's become part of my Directory of Imaginary Poems. The entry was “The Island of The Fay” based on a story by Edgar Allan Poe.

ON THE ISLAND OF THE FAY
by Tabatha Yeatts
for Ma

Whenever the Fay enter light or shade,
for them, it is the passing of a season.
Another summer passes with each swing into sunlight,
and they cross a winter as they fly through shadow.

As the first morning of May unveils itself,
the Fay make a journey –
they fly, smiling and breathless,
to a tree with bark like warm marble,
its leaves a feathery crown.

They clutch thick, smooth ribbons
in their small hands –
sky-meets-ocean blue,
surprised-laughter orange,
roaring yellow, first-kiss pink –
carrying the ribbons together,
each one holding a shiny, slick end.

The Fay swirl around this chosen tree,
braiding the luscious ribbons
around its golden skin.
They reach notes
they didn't even know they could sing,
rejoicing.

As they bob around the tree,
slipping from light to dark,
and back again,
whole years go by.
Entire lives spent, dancing,
holding each moment
as a gift freshly unwrapped.

~~~~~~~~~

Happy Mother's Day!

Terry is hosting today's Poetry Friday round-up.