[new narrative poem in progress]

The star child descended at twilight
upon the serene and lonely mound
which of old had brooded there, and light
crowned that place without a sound ~

Two cousins, who ventured out
to gather sticks for evening fire,
beheld the glow and gave a shout
then stumbled there with one desire ~

To find the cause of light so fair
upon the hilltop shining there ~

Elaina and Johan arriving thence
were of a sudden moved with fear
at the light, that pulsing, made them wince
but strangely beckoned and drew them near ~

Each shielding eyes with quaking hand
and moving close, they discerned within
the blue translucent burning-brand
a figure small and white and thin ~

A child it was, with tender face
yet illumined with an ancient grace ~

“Be not alarmed, my little dears,”
said he with lilting music-voice,
“draw close and lay aside your fears,
you are the company of my choice ~

“Come near and receive the gift that I
have come to bring to you this night.”
And with gentleness they could not defy,
he motioned them close with hand so slight ~

Then close they crept, stooping low
to receive what they did not know ~

(to be continued)