☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ Around the North Star, And straight on ‘till morning,” He promises me. He’s sprinkled the dust, Already taught me to believe in my dreams. He takes my hand and winks at me. “You’ll be a child forever,” he says “Never a grown-up.” He’s uttered my greatest fear, And my greatest wish All in the same breath. When I look at him I see it, That childhood innocence, A spark that’s beginning to fade from me. He’s magical in his ignorance. Of the world, of life, and of human nature, He knows nothing. He’s a sparkling star in the form of a child, Full of mischief, wonder, and fantasy. My feet rise from the floor. He’s teaching me to fly, Defying gravity By the grace of magic. “Believe!” He tells me, “You have to believe!” I close my eyes, And drink in this feeling, Of weightlessness, freedom, and youth. I rise higher into the room, And reach out to touch the ceiling, The boundary to my thoughts. We're dancing on the walls now, Making footprints in the air. We squeeze each others’ hands in excitement As he tells me about Neverland, A place I’ve always wanted to visit, But never been able to reach. Morning comes and dreams are done, Over before I arrive. He describes it all, Making me want this blessed immortality. The mermaids, the crocodile, the Indian princess, the lost boys; I’m enchanted. He whispers his story in my ear, And I can feel his spark, Radiating from his lips To his fingertips. He’s adventurous and brave, The way all children are Before adolescence takes hold, And adulthood sets in. I’ve found my fountain of youth In this shining little boy. “Are you ready?” He asks me, grinning. “I’m ready!” Oh so ready To leave time behind. You told me to be real, But I don’t live in reality anymore, I’m forsaking it for make-believe. I live in my dreams, In the space between spaces, Where time is insignificant. And childhood is everything So onward we fly. Out the window. Around the North Star, And straight on ‘till morning. ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁
Bri Jolly*