Bear sat beneath the crooked pine, Counting every branch by moonlight. Fox held one small ember bright, Waiting at the edge of sight. “Don’t hide your paws,” said Fox so low, “I know the places cold winds go.” Bear took one step across the fern, And watched the little sparks return. Foxfire, promise me the morning, Promise you won’t fade away. Draw your sparks around my doorway, Keep the hungry dark at bay. If your flame can find my breathing, I can find your careful heart. Foxfire, promise me the morning— We don’t have to be apart. Bear had thunder in his chest, Fox had nowhere safe to rest. One had claws and one had fright, Both had slept alone at night. Round and round the bright sparks flew, Gold on brown and brown on blue. Every ember, small and clear, Said, “I’m here, and you are here.” The pine stopped creaking overhead, Warmth replaced the words unsaid. Foxfire, promise me the morning, Now the eastern sky is gray. Draw your sparks around our sleeping, Till the night gives up the day. You may keep your quick feet dancing, I’ll keep watch beside your heart. Foxfire, promise me the morning— We were never far apart. Sleep, little fox; sleep, gentle bear, Gold little circles guard the air. When the first bird lifts its song, You’ll wake together, safe and strong. Dawn came creeping, soft and slow, Painting frost in rosy glow. Bear stretched wide and shook the dew, Fox blinked once, then twice, then two. “You stayed,” said Fox, “the whole night through.” Said Bear, “I promised, didn’t you?” The embers dimmed to morning light, But something warmer stayed from night. Foxfire, thank you for the morning, Thank you for the gold you gave. Now the sun will do the keeping, Now the day is bright and brave. Side by side they left the pine, Paw by paw in a crooked line. Where they walked, the ferns bent low, And little sparks still seemed to glow. Foxfire, promise me tomorrow— One more night, then one more day. Bear said, “Yes.” Fox said, “Forever.” And together, off they went to play.
