aurora borealis

It dances as it lights up the sky
cascading in rose, yellow and green
elusive as Salome with her seven veils

I’ve wanted to see it all my life
sitting up nights to no avail
scanning the horizon
but lacking the patience
to forgo sleep for long enough 

surely there will be another chance
I will find myself on a highway
or a country road
surprised by a solar shower
illuminating the night

it hasn’t happened yet
I have not seen the aurora borealis
yet as long as life has breath
there is hope and wonder

at the end of my days
may I pray for ridiculous things
giving thanks for marvels like narwhals
for miracles and resurrections--
and on the other side of the door
may there be dancing light 

Liz McFadzean