A twinkle, twinkle from up above
reflects a dance of winter love.
Her beauty mirrors the cold night air
and calls out in search of someone near. 

My eyes catch hers, and she’s dazed.
Her eyes sparkle, and I’m amazed.
Her quick smile, so entrancing.
How is it with me she’s dancing? 

Up and down, then up again,
I really can’t remember when
I danced so long or felt so right.
I pray we’ll go till morning’s light. 

But then she shifts, our synchronism falters,
as, with a twirl, the moves she alters!
We streak like fairy fire through new dances!
I struggle, then topple, yet still she prances! 

Her hair forms a halo as she flies,
a flash of wonder, and she cries,
“Oh, man of earth, and bound to time,
thy spirit hence, I make thee mine!”

My voice quivers as she taunts my soul.
“I’m hurt and raw; the dancing took its toll!
Yet, yours forevermore I still can be!
With your every sequence, I’ll agree.” 

Eyes aloft, she peers into the night,
towards the winter moon’s glowing light.
My voice bears no strength or sound.
With a weightless heart, she divorces the ground.

I strain to deny her heavenly ascent
and ignore her cries of captive lament.
My heart’s grown cold; it’s easy to refuse.
But hers ignites a bomb I can’t defuse. 

“One more dance, you need not retire!”
But her body beams light, her mind breathes fire.
Then the moon itself dares enter our ballet.
And without objection, it slyly sweeps her away. 

The moon chassés her to and fro,
both trip the light fantastic toe.
I offer my hand as if she’s still here.
All around, snowflakes fill the empty air.

Editor: Shannon Hensley