wisps of smoke

within my dream wake from a dream
it was of the anvil of summer concrete afternoon
and the face of a childhood day
with bicycles and forest paths winding
to the grand fortress of indian head rock
really nothing more than a few stones in a forest
but that perception of the grandeur of that day
like wisps of smoke so soon lost to time
intangible realitys
are the nature of childhood dreams
that study of the woods was only such flight of the fantasy

as with the crown of candles on birthday cake
the birthday boy is lead down the primrose path
and is crowned king with wishes three
the crown of candles shone on delighted face
at the riches and plunders another year had delivered
the wonders and joys each gifted moment wrapped in mystery
the fleeting moment when all things possible are attained
are in essence nothing more than
a few plastic toys and wrapping paper
another birthday boy dream nestled away for
another year

i emerge from childhoods dreams to find
myself today an old man
paradise sleeping next to me
she is the damsel who rescued me
with sleepyhead eyes
kissed me as she crawled over me
on her way to a cup of coffee
i taste her all over me
i know now that everyday i am with her
the crown of candles is mine
the true gift is of the heart
and she gives herself to me
the boy who would be king
wisps of smoke no more