Obsidian eyes sparkle,
reflecting bright, mid-day sun,
Otis scampers through Spirit Lane,
hoping for a bit of fun,
face displaying utter happiness,
delight he can barely contain.

Children escape from open doors,
rushing to play before night.
Many race to be the very first,
the first to dive into the pool.
Otis beams and giggles,
pleasuring in this cheery sight;
he secures a seat in the shadows,
basking in the shade to keep cool.

He spreads a bounty before him,
buttons of every shape and colour,
arranging them with pride;
he'll gladly tell you the best,
pointing out its beauty,
fingering the pattern on the side.
On and on he explains with glee,
oblivious to the rising snigger,
soon he'll feel smaller than the rest.

His smile wanes and falters,
laughter rising in intensity,
tears splatter to the ground.
Sobbing with overwhelming emotion,
taunts and teases echo all around,
namecalling floats through the city.
"What a girl!" a snarky boy yells,
cutting through Otis like a knife,
his weeps adding to the commotion.

Mercifuly interupting the torment,
the sun fades into the horizon,
cackling fading to a soft snicker.
Mothers appear on balconies,
beckoning children inside;
Otis remains racked with sadness,
tears growing ever thicker.
His gaze rises to beg,
sniffling very softly,
his melancholy eyes opened wide.

Outstretching a jar with a plea,
he urges me to it to use,
voice quivering as he quietly mumbles,
asking for help to fit in.
A smile forms as I nod,
hope welling in his eyes,
my devotion is to stop his blues.
His instructions are for fireflies,
catch them in the Imperial Garnens;
determined, I turn to leave,
he watches me with a hopefull grin.

Fireflies dance with the night,
flitting in erratic displays,
I struggle to capture them all,
to hurry back with what I've caught.
His face illuminates with joy,
clapping his hands as he showers praise,
he shoves the box of buttons to me,
not giving even a second thought.

A gigantic smile graces Otis' face,
clutching his new treasure,
laughing with joy towards home.
Fireflies illuminate the night,
bouncing off buildings,
fading slowly from sight.
My heart swells from the scene,
filled with accomplishment and pleasure,
I've done good deed,
made his world happy and bright.

Penned by my hand on the 21st of Aeguary, in the year 480 AF.