Rainbow

Autumn always found me
in pigtails, behind the moon,
beyond the rain,
with dreams...
that I dared to dream.
Hoping there was more
than gray skies,
weathered paint
and locked cellars.

Searching for emeralds
in sapphire skies.
Without guidance
of saffron paths
nor ruby shoes.
I found it...
the golden side of the rainbow.
Full of paved roads,
good intentions
and a masquerade
of uncertainty.

Courage had lodged itself
somewhere 'neath
my gingham hem
and skinned knees.
Logic, just a notion,
for old people
who had nothing better to do.

Sands of youth
filtered through
the hour glass
-one
---by
----one
------by
-------one

Only residue
of memories remains...
like poppies clutched
'tween fingers and palm,
clawing at the last strands
of an August moon,
trying to hold on.
I awaken,
in my own backyard
full of pine trees,
bermuda grass
and the little pond.
Each of us
-green-
as the emeralds I once sought.