It’s Getting Closer
by
Radiance Angelina Petro

Did you hear that?
It wasn’t the wind.
Hand me the lantern.
Something’s out there.
Pull the curtains aside just a little.
Do you see that?
It’s just standing there in the storm.
It looks like it has wings.
I want to say I’m sorry.
I want to ask your forgiveness.
You taught me there are no forbidden thoughts.
You taught me to buy lemonade
from every lemonade stand.
You taught me to pick up the worms
that wandered onto the sidewalk
and to put them back in the grass.
And what have I done for you?
Complained, hidden, complained some more.
If I taught you anything, it was to never give up.
Which, come to think of it, you taught me.
Here—you take the lantern–
you’ve always held the lantern.
It’s getting closer.
I didn’t expect it to be so magnificent, so majestic.
Why is it staring at you?
It seems to know you.
Why are you moving to the door?
Why are you opening the door?
Where did the storm go?
Why is the sun out at midnight?
Why are you looking at me like that?
Why are you smiling?
Why do you want me to take your hand?
Where are we going?
Why are we going?
What’s happening?
Wait. Have you always had wings?
I have so many questions.
Why are you bringing your finger to your lips?
How is it we are suddenly three?
How is it the ground is falling away?
How is there a city in the sky?
Have you always had the moon and the stars
in your hair? Yes–I’ll be quiet now.