Fireflies

It's so dark outside, my eyes can't distinguish where sand meets water. Somehow, dusk has come and gone, plunging the evening into darkness. 
 
But even as my eyes yield to this opaque absence of light, my other senses heighten. I can hear the crash of waves as they abuse the shoreline, sending foaming water up the beach in icy streams. I'm lulled by the sound of polished pebbles colliding like marbles as they recede with the waves. I can feel the sea's cool mist against my face, taste its salt on my lips. The scent of seaweed drifts on the breeze in gentle wafts - and then, slowly, the faintest whiff of smoke.   

I glance over my shoulder, where a tiny dot of light penetrates the darkness. It's a beacon on this cool night, and I walk slowly toward it, digging my toes into the soft sand with each step.


dim moonlight peeks through thinning clouds-- fire crackles
He's still there, stoking the fire, feeding the flames until the heat is tangible. The air wavers between us like a veil - a line I want to cross. He stirs up clouds of smoke, stirring feelings within me as I watch his busy hands. I wait patiently for him to notice my approach, and when he does, my breath catches.
rainbow flames burst from seasoned maple-- blue eyes sparkle
I watch golden light flicker across his skin, softening the lines of his face. He abandons his task, moving around the fire until he stands before me, smiling as if he knows my heart is thundering in my chest. He waits for a painstaking moment to pass. Then he kisses me with toasted marshmallow lips, pulling me down into his lap to watch the sparks rise like fireflies into the breathless night.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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A   Avatar
April 24, 2013 at 7:27 PM
Heather, congratulations with your poem on Andrea's, favorite list. always~ Linda
Hunter Avatar
April 23, 2013 at 6:17 AM
Loved it and love it again...Congrats, Heather....marshmallow lips...ha...sticky.
Mannan Avatar
April 22, 2013 at 10:55 PM
Oh wow. Many congrats dear friend.
Manassian Avatar
April 11, 2013 at 12:15 PM
BTW...........NEVER EVEN HEARD OF A HAIBUN....How ignorant am I???? ;)
Manassian Avatar
April 11, 2013 at 12:14 PM
Heather...I was there!!! It was so good...the wording so perfect...I walked along the beach with you! The marshmallow kiss was all yours, baby! ;) Honestly though...I'm awed by your work! Goes to my favorites! Hugs!....I want to write more and more...in praise of this! OK OK ...I'll shut! Great work!
Chircop Avatar
April 4, 2013 at 4:34 AM
Very romantic..as if somehow i travelledvyhis journey already..going to my favs...
Chircop Avatar
April 4, 2013 at 4:32 AM
Very romantic..as if somehow i travelledvyhis journey already..going to my favs...
Lamoureux Avatar
April 3, 2013 at 10:48 PM
You are so talented, I felt drawn into your tale. This is a fabulous poem. Another to my favorites.
Horsman Avatar
April 3, 2013 at 10:23 AM
Heather this is truly amazing poetry, your Haiku's stand out yet compliment the whole structure of this a wonderful poem!
Dietrich Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 10:58 PM
wow, Heather, so romantic. This is really really good!! I say it again and again, you are one talented lady!! a fave back at ya.
Jones Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 7:50 PM
Amazing romantic poetry Heather...:-)
Jordan Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 6:03 PM
I've never tried to write a haibun. This lovely piece is inspirational, to say the least. Fine work! Jack
Williams Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 1:07 PM
Heather a wonderful romantic piece of work, metaphor or not we don't have fireflies here in UK and I would love to see them...David
Tacito Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 10:08 AM
First time reading your work, this is outstanding! Very powerful & immense! Well done!
Hunter Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 9:45 AM
Oh, mercy that's good. I can see why you love this form. It makes for an amazing read when done well ... like this. Everything here flows so smoothly together, it's a little staggering. FAVE!
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