Two Little Sparks

Two little sparks
enlightening the dark

(tidal waves tugging on the heart)

One named Amelia, the other Aurora:
Completing the scenery --- fauna and flora.
But Borealis, she has no stake in the matter,
for she is just a melancholy rainbow
in comparison --- to the flames that ignite
your very being ... all the while you take pleasure in the heat,
being warmed by their joy and curiosity.
Go ahead and draw lines in the sand

(they will jump over them with glee)

And simultaneously have you giggling
at their tenacity.

Two little sparks
through the woods      they embark

(one look at their eyes --- and there goes my heart)

Playing hide 'n' seek with the two of them
they disappear (and re-appear) just like fireflies in June.
Dotting the intrepid pathways like sparkles, like magic.
(the fact they'll one day grow up ... it's rather tragic)
Why can't they stay little forever and touch the ceiling
by riding on my shoulders?
Why not stay brittle so I can be protective --- instead like all things
you must grow older.

For now though     Oh for now!
It's nothing but a pipe-dream
in the wakefulness of day.
Youthful energy can't be contained
much like quarantine flame.

(and between you and me
that's an accurate analogy)

Between these two firebrands -
who could dare understand
what it means to be an uncle
... with the capriciousness of "one of the gang",
and the loving care of a parent.
And who could dare contemplate
this here man's tragic fate:
living next door to the both of them
with no fire blanket.

One's not even walking (the other barely talking)
And while that may seem rather shocking

nieces have that power
to play with your emotions like staccato raindrops
on that big ole blue
they call the ocean.

These flames aren't dying low (not even close)
but only gaining momentum      like a lightning strike in a forest:
a thousand popping pine cones re-seeding into infinity.

(And did I say divinity?     That too)

They be in competition for my love
like the tug-a-war moon.
It's the kind of game where everyone wins
and it's never too soon ...

... for one more go round.



Written March 9th, 2016
For the Twin Flames Contest Hosted by Nayda Ivette Negron

Placed Second
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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A  Avatar
March 19, 2016 at 12:56 AM
Timothy, Congratulations on your win. **SKAT**
Hicks Avatar
March 20, 2016 at 9:26 PM
Thank you Skat ... kind of you to stop by!
Raven Avatar
March 15, 2016 at 6:56 PM
Hi Tim, Congratulations on your win in the contest. Excellent write once more, liked the read Tim, keep them coming....Vlad.
Hicks Avatar
March 16, 2016 at 10:42 PM
Thanks Raven. I had loads of fun with this piece :)
Rodgers Avatar
March 14, 2016 at 4:38 PM
They make old hearts young - well said and congrats on your win.
Hicks Avatar
March 15, 2016 at 12:32 AM
That they do ... thanks for stopping by, Dave.
Negron Flores Avatar
March 13, 2016 at 2:50 PM
Congratulations Timothy on the placement of the contest
Hicks Avatar
March 13, 2016 at 10:59 PM
Thanks for honoring me in your contest, Nayda. Much appreciated :)
Devnath  Avatar
March 12, 2016 at 12:28 PM
Excellently done my lovely friend. 7+ i feel. Loved always, bl
Hicks Avatar
March 13, 2016 at 10:58 PM
Thank you BL! Appreciate your visits.
La France Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 5:57 PM
Tim, this is WONDERFUL and so skillfully penned, a winner and I am loving it 7~
Hicks Avatar
March 13, 2016 at 10:36 PM
Love your enthusiasm. Thanks bunches :)
Delaney Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 2:23 PM
I like how you are caught between being being playful yet with the responsibility of an adult uncle. Beautiful personification with myth and reality.....no joy like little girls. Good Luck in the contest. Nayda will delight in this one. Hugs, SuZ
Hicks Avatar
March 13, 2016 at 10:18 PM
Playfulness and responsibility is a juggling act. Glad you enjoyed :)
Kendrick Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 8:45 AM
"Why not stay brittle so I can be protective --- instead like all things you must grow older..".If speaking about daughters, you will be protective until your dying day..Parenting is an ongoing thing that a parent can never leave behind..Enjoyed reading your work..Creative way to go for the contest..Reads like a winner to me..Sara
Hicks Avatar
March 13, 2016 at 9:54 PM
Thank you Sarah. I don't have children, but I suppose I make up for it, in a litter of nieces and nephews. Thanks for reading me today ... and I enjoyed your entry into my contest :)
Kendrick Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 8:45 AM
Thanks for the honor of placing in your contest..Sara
Trifiatis Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 8:12 AM
Superb writing, dear Timothy! A seven!
Hicks Avatar
March 13, 2016 at 9:47 PM
Thanks as ever, Demetrios!
Sankey- Lewis Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 6:21 AM
A winner standing out; outstanding ability to write like a pro.
Hicks Avatar
March 12, 2016 at 4:13 AM
Thanks as always Iris. This was super fun for me to write ... and so I'm happy the fun could overflow, onto the reader's palate.
Breidenthal Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 3:34 AM
Simply amazing, Timothy. Really love this! I love the little "asides" in the parenthesis...I also admire the musical language of "staccato raindrops" ..really adds to the popping playfulness of the piece. "Why not stay brittle so I can be protective --- instead like all things you must grow older."..such a sweet father or mother figure I'd presume. Looooove this. Another fav (: Always, Laura
Hicks Avatar
March 12, 2016 at 4:04 AM
Always a treat to read your lovely feedback, Laura. To tell you the truth, I have a bit of an obsession with parenthesis ... it always pops up, like dandelions, in my work. My nieces are popping and playful ... so I'm happy to know my dedication was as well. Thank you for your encouraging words :)
Callus Avatar
March 10, 2016 at 8:26 AM
Truly a delightful, spritely poem, Timothy. If you're not careful those two sparks will take over and you'll become their willing slave:) I take it that they are a joy to be with, though they can be a handful, these firebrands. It would be a pleasure to watch them growing up. ~ Regards // paul
Hicks Avatar
March 12, 2016 at 3:29 AM
Spritely --- I like that. You're probably right about becoming a willing slave .... I suppose SOMEone in the family has to spoil them ;) Glad you liked my poem for my nieces.
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