Aurora Night


The streets are all deserted
At this hour of night
Everyone is tucked into their beds
Awaiting Monday morning when
They’ll head off to work once more
Their children off to school
But me, I’m driving down this dark lonely road
To an empty room
And you’re boarding a plane
You’re taking off
My heart is aching all over again

I wonder if you can see the northern lights
From your window seat
The same ones I’m watching now
Brilliant and majestic
The way they move – so elegant, graceful
Fluidly flowing, agile across the night sky
Bright and green against a deep black
Backdrop of infinity
Flecked with the glittering of stars
One for every time I think of you
Far, far above this cold lonely road
Where the wind is blowing
Bits of loose snow over the pavement

For a moment I’m in awe
I remember how we used to watch them
Dancing silently in the still crispness
Of a dark winters night
Circling the heavens
Powerful, at the same time delicate
And so very beautiful
I thought my heart would explode

We were so small in comparison
Only specks in a great, grand universe
Standing next to you, looking up
I felt so lucky
That we were together
So grateful to have you to share it all with

It’s just not the same now that you’re gone
When there is so much beauty in the world
And no one is here
For me to share it with


© Nicole Whaley 2003


3rd place winner, Free Verse, Over 20 Lines
Tanana Valley State Fair 2003