The Night Visitor

Above perched an owl on the edge of an apartment complex, watching

Below the passersby and tenants hurriedly

Crossing the streets, anxious to return home.

Dinner was nearly ready and different aromas could be detected in the air.

Eventually, the bustling neighbourhood’s activity stilled, and the bird took

Flight into the night’s sky, arching its majestic wings into the wind.

Gliding silently into an open window, the owl rested atop a bed frame and

Hooted softly to rouse the young child from her slumber.

Initially, the girl refused to wake up until the persistent cooing had her

Jolt upright in shock, realising that she was no longer in a dream state.

Kamarie, the child whispered excitedly while rubbing her eyes awake.

Light from the nightstand dimly lit the bird’s beautiful white plumage.

Mystique golden feathers lining the edge of its wings shimmered as the owl

Nestled closer to the child, revealing a scroll carefully attached to its leg.

Observing the neatly rolled up letter with great curiosity, the girl

Peeled the leather-bound straps away from the bird and

Quietly explored the contents of the weatherworn paper,

Revealing a thoroughly detailed map of a world awaiting to be discovered.

Still as a statue, the owl sensed movement from outside the room and dug its

Talons into the child’s arm, tearing at her favourite pyjamas.

Unexpectedly, the bird sprang open its long wings with great

Vivacity when footsteps could be heard approaching in the hallway.

Whisked out of bed without warning, leaving the

Xanthic paper behind on top of wrinkled flower-patterned blankets, a small

Yelp came from the child as the owl swooped the two of them out of the window,

Zooming away into a foreign dreamland, soaring amongst the clouds.