Tales from the Nighthouse by Jim Ostdick

In the twilight in the summer

Cicadas

Fireflies

Hide and seek

Ready or not here they come

I quiver and flee

The chase

Dashing juking dodging I’m little and I’m five but I’m quick

I slip through cracks I turn on a dime I disappear in bushes

I run

He’s gaining he’s thirteen he’s long and he’s gaining

I turn toward the hedge high as me

Running fast

I jump in the dark

Jump the hedge high as me

I jump surprised

Both feet clear the hedge

I rise I don’t find land I don’t come down

I rise propelled

Into the sky

Rising rising rising I’m flying

High into the darkness

There are stars so many

I pick up speed so fast I’m five and I’m flying

Looking straight up

Stars flash by I see

A brilliant white cross

Barely bigger than me

Bathed from behind

In light bursting light

I’m flying straight to it

I’m flying straight to it

I’m five and I’m flying straight to it

It’s happening so fast

I can’t not see it I’m it I’m the light

Ready or not I’m it.