The Kingdom of Childhood

The trees soar overhead,

taller than giants

and older than gods.

Their branches reach further

than the horizon,

and block the light of the sun

to allow fairies to play

in its shadows.

Pine cones fall

and are fashioned into wands

that will cast spells

on the frogs that swim in the creek

to turn them into kings

that will be fought

to protect a kingdom

and keep it secret.

Sunlight fades

and as its long fingers withdraw

to make room for the hands of shadows,

fireflies set flame to their bodies

and take flight

to do battle

with encroaching darkness,

and champion the dying rays

one last time.

Stars show themselves,

rulers of the night.

Soldiers to be fought

by another, more brave,

as the suns standard bearers

retreat and regroup

and loose the hostage kings

to be caught again another day.

-Payton Salmons