Keeper of Dreams

Birthday shopping is something she did
with all the grandchildren

but my favourite time
was when I was nine:

It was an Autumn’s day
the icy breeze starting to blow.

We entered the store with a whispering warmth
my Granddad guarding the fishing shop.

A sparkle in the corner of my eye –
a rainbow disco

“Grandma, what is that?”
“It’s an orb, The Keeper of Dreams.”

The next morning I woke
with my room full of lights.

In every shocking gem
I see the same picture:

me and her, side by side,
our faces full of hope and meaning

the Orb in my hand
the Keeper of her Dreams.