Caleb walked through the forest clearing, dappled sunlight playing across his path. He had followed the whispering of the wind to this secret glade, hidden from view.
In the center of the clearing stood a tree unlike any Caleb had seen before. Its bark shone with an iridescent glow, reflecting the colors of an opal. Slowly, a figure appeared from behind the tree's pale trunk.
It was a unicorn, its coat the color of moonlight. But where a horn should be stood instead an opal of immense size and brilliance. As the unicorn gazed at Caleb with eyes of endless depth, a feeling of peace and grace filled the glade.
Caleb bowed low. "I am honored by your presence, wise one."
The unicorn stepped closer. "Rise, young poet. I have waited long for one with sight to see."
Caleb stood. "May I ask your name?"
A soft voice like wind chimes replied: "Men call me Fenris, though that is but a name. I am what lingers when wonder has not yet faded."
They spoke of poetry and wisdom, of truth and beauty.The unicorn's words held a simplicity and clarity that transformed Caleb's understanding. As he listened, the glade itself seemed reborn through eyes made new.
After a time, the unicorn said: "Poetry does not create wonders - it reveals what was always there."
Caleb nodded slowly. "The poet awakens what has long slept, forgotten."
The unicorn's opal eye glinted. "Through poetic sight, the common is made uncommon once more."
Then in a flash of light, the unicorn was gone. But the shining words remained.
Flickers in forest lights
Iridescent dreams take flight,
My spirit soars with thee.
The tree's bark shines
Reflecting myriad hues,
Coat of moonlit beam.
That voice like wind chime song
Carries wisdom old and strong
As ages pass by.
Those eyes see deep
Through layers of thought,
Bringing truth to light.
And insight grows
With every word said
In voice both strong and mild.
The common sight
Is transformed anew
Through vision clear again.
The wonders fade not,
They only wait
To be reborn through sight.
And on glade's ground
One truth remains-
The marvel was always there.