Plane Spotting

A light twinkles in the distance,

and like a moth,

I stand transfixed.

It separates itself from the other stars,

slowly streaking across the expanse,

and with it my heart soars.

My eyes blur as I float,

carried on its wings,

other places, other times.

Flutters fill my being as I grow wings of my own,

I see myself there--

nervously bouncing one leg then the other,

stuffing another piece of cinnamon gum into my mouth.

The sweet juice fills my mouth,

a slight burn on my tongue,

memories of my childhood flashing--

red hots, fireballs, apple cider.

Spice to fill the summers with fun,

and the winters with warmth.

The lights flicker briefly,

and a soft ding punctuates the silence

as the Captain speaks,

his tone infectiously chipper.

"Lovely day to fly, clear skies,

and waiting ahead,

a sunny day with a mild breeze."

My eyes flit to my feet,

the heavy winter coat draping over my toes,

the hat and gloves sticking out from my purse--

finally feeling warm, I close my eyes,

sink into my seat.

Sunny day, mild breeze--

clear skies ahead.

I sigh, cinnamon filling the recycled air,

burning my eyes with fiery tears.

My eyes snap open--

only darkness above,

and darkness around.

I blink the tears away,

no cinnamon spice or recycled air--

only frosty breath and circle around the moon.

My eyes flit to my feet,

the heavy winter blanket melting,

pulling me into the icy abyss

one toe at a time.

I sink into the snow,

accepting my fate.

I sigh frosty breath,

and look to the skies--

anytime now,

another twinkle,

another place.