Magical

Shh. They’re sleeping…

Hushed giggles, a playful punch,
mischievous faces lit by
dancing candle flames,
creeping down the wooden steps
towards the Christmas tree.
The youngest gasps-
she almost squeals-
as the eldest grins
and the others all turn
towards her with a Hush!

But she cannot help naivete
as she skips forward
and stares up at the lit tree,
at flitting faeries showering
golden dust, and tiny reindeer
soaring ‘round the branches
as a light snow falls from
nowhere, settling on her nose.
The lights twinkle, flashing various colors,
and every ornament hovers in the air,
suspended by magic, designs swirling.

She laughs,
holds out a hand to catch
the pixie dust,
and the others, whose fingers itch
to rifle the stacked presents,
smile at her expression.
I want a faerie, she whispers in awe,
eyes trailing the creatures
dancing on the tree.

Here, the eldest answers,
and with a gentle touch,
cups a twirling faerie and brings it close.
And in its tender glow,
she beams,
the spirit of youth
surviving another night.