Claire Everett

Portal

It’s a harbinger by all accounts, this “star of wonder” not seen in aeons. Now more than ever, beyond the threshold, the chime of better days to come.

But it’s light, not time, that’s of the essence. A rose tint in the east. The settling wings of dusk. A balance of scales and all the tip-tilt shades.  For they who watch, night doesn’t fall, it rises, steaming stem by rock by bough from earth’s iron pot. 

For our ancient kin midnight had meaning. Love was made and stories told in the dark between the first and second sleep. And the stars and seasons wheeled long before years came and went in the eyes of a god who looks both ways.

midwinter murk
two planets align
in blackbird song

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About the Author

Claire Everett has served as editor for various journals including Take Five: Best Contemporary Tanka, the Red Moon Anthology, Haibun Today, and Skylark. She is a contributing editor for Macqueen’s Quinterly. In her other life, Claire supports adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs, and has worked through the Covid-19 pandemic.