With a Friend

By Emily Pfaltzgraff

Fiery orange, I rise from the trees.
I am fierce and gentle, beckoning beyond the water.
A rippling path stretches towards you, slowly rolling upon the surf.
Before long I rise to the sky, my flushed face quickly loosing its red glow.
Far above me stars twinkle, flash and fall.
The galaxy spreads across an abyss; look into the past.
Across the lake the northern night sky celebrates.
Blues and greens dance in the distance.
Slowly my light floods the night, and stars vanish in my wake.
Far below, water laps at your feet,
Softly kissing your toes, coaxing sand beneath your heels.
Weary and slow, something flickers down the beach.
Glimmers of light float out across the water to vanish in the waves.
Now far above, I peak through the trees that rest to your back,
Watching over your shoulder as you wade into the lake.
Move slowly into the water, step cautiously past the stones.
Your chest tightens, your breaths quicken.
A single loon calls out from behind.
The sun has woken and a glow of life spreads from the lake.
Float on your back and open your eyes to find the sky warming.
I still watch as my color fades, as I steadily travel further from you.
In the darkness I shine bright, during the day I am a whisper.
Do not forget me, or the stars, or the calm surf at your toes.
Take care of what is around you, so I can return at day's end.
Watch over the beaches, and forests, and sky.
I will be waiting here. We will find each other again.