Aurora

by: Ariana Strong

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Along the pebbled-rocky shore, I lie. The blanket of snow beneath steals my heat.
Anticipation flows through my veins like the current of the ice-covered river. 
Our beloved visitor is on her way. Lilac flowers with sunshine centers, we hold.
My village and I outstretch our arms. Violent winds pinken my cheeks. Invisible breath beclouds. 
The moon and twinkling stars dissolve into the coal atmosphere. With the help of our ancestors, we chant. 
Our visitor enters from above the mountain peaks. Burning, spreading verdant smoke across the sky. 
Ashes and shadows pepper the mountain ice. Our pearly smiles blend with the powered trees. 
Slithering like friendly green snakes, she moves. The pale moon mirrors her scales. 
Our song echoes and joins the winter squalls. She dances with the souls of the dead, we join. 
Dark forests brighten into Aspen leaves. Flowing downriver, glaciers mimic and glow. 
We bid her farewell with heavy heaves and swift hugs. Her viridescence fades and fuses into purples.