Messenger of Joy
by Annie Jenkin

A gilded gypsy of the sky
swift in the air, never quite still,
it turns and lands,
drawn by fragrant helix ivy
finding space amid many others.

Opening its wings
reveals lush velvet hues
of bright orange and black,
bold white, patterns the tips
and flatters its petticoat frill.

Fiery fluttering flashes lift
rising as one,
like floating lanterns
slipping away
into September's warm wind.



 

Return to: