THE MAGIC SUNSET FLOWER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 164, 1 October 1927, Page 27 (Supplement)

THE MAGIC SUNSET FLOWER

The western sky beneath the gaze of the setting sun was turned to a scene of dazzling splendour. A little girl named June, walking in the garden, suddenly gave a cry of delight. She was close to the gardenwall, and growing near a tall foxglove were dozens of plants covered with tiny, bright yellow flowers. June plucked a bunch and was just about to smell them when she noticed something moving in the largest. To her amazement the something flew out and alighted on her shoulder. It was a fairy with a bright yellow tunic, a pointed cap and gold wings. “I am a Sunset elf,” he announced in a squeaky voice. “Oh!” said June. “I am glad you have come; but could you tell me how these flowers came? I have never seen them before.” “Well,” explained the elf. “These are Sunset flowers, which only bloom at sunset. If anyone happens to pick the magic one (which you did) they go to Sunset-land.” So saying he produced a trumpet and blew three blasts. Out of a tree nearby flew a beautiful red and gold bird. “Now jump on!’* commanded the elf. June suddenly felt herself shrinking to the size of her friend. She climbed on to the bird’s back and away they went, higher and higher, but all the time drawing nearer to the sunset where lay the land for which they were bound. At last they reached their destination and alighted. The gates opened at their touch and they found themselves in an avenue, at the end of which stood a magnificent palace. The elf led June up to the entrance and pressed a gold knob. A little fairy opened the door, guided them up a long passage and a flight of stairs, and finally they found themselves in the throne-room, which was hung with crimson. On the floor was a. carpet of crimson cloud, while in the centre of the ceiling hung a globe of transparent pearl which cast a radiant light about the room. Seated upon a golden throne was a beautiful queen with a bright gauzy frock, glittering shoes and thin, gold wings. On her head was a crown, set with jewels. She greeted June with a smile and invited her to sit down. “There is to be a ball very soon,” she said. “Would you like to come?” June replied shyly that she would. Then followed a wonderful time for June, for they danced and sang, and when at last they grew tired, the queen waved her wand and out of the floor sprang tables, laden with fairy food. But at last the queen decided that it was time for the ball to end, so she waved her wand. The guests, the queen and everything vanished, and June found herself in the garden again. —Joan Brookfield (aged 10.)