At a Christmas party.

A child, four years old, 

came up to me and told me she was a fairie.

I smiled, but was unable to outshine

her gap toothed little grin;

or the makeshift magic wand

that told the truth of her words;

as did the little pink tutu she wore

and the dance she danced for me.

In any case, who was I to tell her different?

I mean, why not be a fairie

if only just the once,

before grown up matters,

like choosing a best friend

and learning times tables

weigh heavy on 

neophyte shoulders.

Drink flowed

amiable chat meandered

and meantime, the child danced,

mimicking the style of grown up leisure;

so happy in the reflected light,

where no mistletoe, and no champagne

could make her less a child,

or make her magic burn more bright.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like how you juxtapose the child with the grownups which shows the innocence and truthfulness we have at such a young age, but later when we become less a child...we could lose that ability to dance...or hopefully let the dance mature.
nicely done,
j.

[Crowley]

This is a truth, let them be what they can not only because of impending adulthood, but because if they believe it then, then they may keep on believing that they can be anything that they want in that adulthood as well. Perception is the key and unlocks an infinite number of realities. Great write!

[h d e rushin]

Tenderness, it is sad to say, is lost amongst we adults...Yet each moment of a child's world is punctuated by it's rich short history, it's beauty and the fact of it's passing. To be a fairy means that supernatural moments of luminous beauty, is itself, transitory. What I mean is that (aside from being a poetess) you can only enter that world, wand or not, for a little while. But yet entering it (wanting to) is the power of the human spirit to resist and endure.
I wonder why you wanted to write this poem my love? Whatever. Your voice is so pure....dana

[MsJewel]

Your poem is absolutely charming. I love how vivid your descriptions. I can picture her dancing. A very enjoyable read :) Julie

[Paul Bell]

I suppose Christmas, in theory, should be an innocent time of celebration.
I think us poor adults turn it into a chore.
But let's look through the child's eye, it's still filled with wonderment.

[Jimmy Yetts]

Charming, yet profoundly perceptive.
Christmas always shines brightest when it inspires children.
Adults can only bask in the little ones' magic and dream nostalgic dreams.
Great read!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Such a beautiful reading, Beccy. Being in the presence of a child teaches us more and more about what this world is lacking. It even helps us to take a better look at ourselves. Thank you for sharing this!

[Lorry]

This is lovely. Caught in full view of that childhood wonderment of making make believe real and she, flitting from imagination to reality so effortlessly, and you the viewer smiling as well as reminiscing of far off days when you were the same.
We are in such a race to grow up so soon, so she truly was living life to its fullest, before rules and silly grown up things invade their world.
I'm a little jealous too, and I wouldnt even suit a tutu :)

[Chris Shaw]

Endearing write Beccy. Let there be make believe. Children should have that time when they feel anything is. possible. I think I'd quite like to be a fairy myself tonight, providing I have a magic wand. All good wishes to you and your little one

[Beccy]

Not so little anymore Christine, only twelve and already taller than me by a good way. :))