Gifts of Summer

I climbed the branches of an emerald tree
Because birthday candles must be made
And tied a ribbon round the thickest branch
And curled the edges with my spade
And when the jewels began to fall
And amethyst frost filled my chest
I dropped my body to the earth
And laid my head to rest.

When I had slept one thousand years
And stretched into your night
I woke to hear my name out loud
My emerald tree became a kite
The ribbon tied was still in place
The edge still held it's curl
It looped itself around my wrist
And we ran - kite and girl.

Though I am old my feet are light
Ten toes kiss jaded grass
and skim the sheen of beetles shells
as girl and kite fly past.
I walk the paths where we held hands
By diamond moon each night
And look for you by ruby sun
To deliver birthday kite.

- Trena Thomas