Mister Wizard and Us

The front door opened with a clang
Who’s there, we asked
That was our dear, friendly wizard
He hung up his robe and leaned his staff
Against the door.

I’ve come to rest, he said
And to see you, my children.
What else to do, he said
Under this nightsky of yours?

There we stood for hours
He told us of what he had seen
Heard, kept
Touched with his bare fingers
Under his light feet
All that, he said
I have become.

Stale hours came as we slept
We woke up, he was there
Standing at the edge of the window
Smoking.

Breakfast is ready, children
He said.
Grated cheese rind, smoked chicken skin
Under the daylight, skylit moon

We licked our fingers to the bone

More stories, wizard
We asked.
He wouldn’t have it, not now.
I have to go, he said.
I will see you when I see you
And smiled.

Let us know when you come again
To our house
Sure.

He grabbed his robe
Lifted his staff
Walked out the door.
Light were his feet
Dwindling down the path.

We looked at him from afar
His hat pointing to the stars

Goodbye, mister wizard
Until we see you again
Mister wizard,
Goodbye.