National Poetry Month Challenge - Day 29

Today's prompt was to write either a realism poem or a magical poem.  You can probably guess before reading, which would be my choice.

photography by Cristina M. R. Norcross / stream near Rydal Water, U.K.

A Wink and a Blink

Walking over the bridge from solid ground

to hallowed earth –

the stream speaks of stories.

The hidden cave at Rydal Water

welcomes our mortal feet.

With each step

an ageless time unfolds.

Colors seem brighter –

more defined.

Each branch becomes

an ink stain across parchment.

An artist with the most delicate brush

makes these lines jump into my vision.

Eyes squinting at brightness,

I can only catch but a glimpse

of the worlds beneath my footing –

mushrooms blooming

with fairies sunning themselves,

and water sprites diving like dolphins –

waving their small hands in the wind.

I hesitate before unlatching the gate

that leads back to the gravel road –

look behind me –

taking a snapshot

with a single blink.

Cristina M. R. Norcross

Copyright 2014