Toads

Toads

I smiled as the light shone brightly

on the toad at the edge of the garden

smiling on those hoping to catch

a spark of lilac delight when

fairies dance.

Hiding beneath the lilac bush

just off the stone pathway

sitting beside the wishing rocks

she waits.

Surrounded by sprouts of new lilac growth

where the youngest toads come to play

she holds the spot and croaks a song:

night awaits.

Soon children’s heads bob with sleepy eyes

as the night stars pull at their dreams,

the last footsteps tiptoe inside while outside

fairies dance.