Gunshy

Author: Stephen W. Cote

Spread a little pixie dust on my wings

And glide through the early spring air

Across the mirrored pond's slumber

Alit upon a sunflower

Whose damp fragrance palpably sings

Naively exclaim in wings beating

Glide to earth, dance to her umber

Spin magic with childlike power

Collapse against a flower stalk

Exhilaration and painted smile

Sunlight instructs in hazy blades

To be mirthful and fancy-free

Then silence begets friendly talk

And pixie dust reveals the wile

The flowerbed where I did play

Barren umber to this pixie

Soiled tracks and vague recollection

Escape responsibility

A golden shadow clouds hindsight

Echos of verse I'd merrily sing

Behold a fairy demonstration

Try to hide animosity

Now I recall my recent flight

A soft ache where I once held wings