Pickled Smiles and Other Poems

Alister James

Twice upon a time
Lived Alister James.
Died when he was five
In his bedroom's flames.

Woken by the magic
Of the roots of a tree.
Had been a witch.
She was trying to get free.

He dug himself out
And filled in the hole.
Began a great search
For his long-lost soul.

His parents were gone
A new house in its place.
He looked in the window
But didn't recognize a face.

A little girl looked out
Seeing him stare.
Ran screaming and yelling
"There's a monster out there!"

Alister didn't see it
So he crept away.
Found an old barn
And slept in the hay.

Near morning he woke
With a terrible thirst
That no water could sate
And it only got worse.

In a fit of hunger
He bit into a horse
That just stood there, how odd
Like being held by a force.

When Alister was done
He patted the mare
Thanked it for its blood
At least what it could spare.

And the stories were told
Of the vampire at night
That would drink from your herd
Until it was light.

The government came
And checked out the bites.
Brought along a psychic
Who performed a few rites.

And said, quite loudly
"He died in flames!
This is no vampire
It's little Alister James!"

So, they called his parents
Who came in a rush
And stood in the yard
Then fell a great hush.

From out of the woods
A small boy did appear
Hovering in the air
A face full of fear.

They called out his name
His mouth opened wide
He cried and wailed
And then all did collide.

The weeping was long
And hugging so deep
A family reborn
Though the road would be steep.

For one, his sole drink
Had to come from a vein.
At least he could do so
By causing no pain.

Then there were tests
That the government did
Forgetting this wonder
Was still just a kid.

So, one day, they fled.
Disappeared in the night.
Mighty Alister James
Carried them in flight.

Up in the mountains
Made with his powers
A new secret meadow
With bright singing flowers.

He went on a quest
Brought back his soul.
Now they live happily
With Alister whole.

He feeds on sunshine
His smile warms the land
And the forest and critters
Obey his command.

And now and again
Someone will spy
The three of them flying
Dancing in the sky.

So now ends our tale
Which started in flames.
The wonder and magic
Of Alister James.