Along the ancient pathways of time
through indigo space
the gigantic bejeweled tortoise plodded
his enormous shell laden with cabochons and faceted gems
of amethyst worlds and sapphire planets
on glistening topaz feet like orbiting moons.
"Isn't that ruby on his forehead
the gigantic planet Hybithia?"
asked the guardian questioners --
"And, those emeralds are surely
the tourmaline sister spheres
complete with their ropes of pearl comets."
All eyes turned to the spectacle
and marveled at the scintillating sight
of endless golden filigree trims
and silvery chains that shone
like fire-bright bezels
around each glorious gem.
"What could the meaning be
of such a lavish giant?
Could it be an anomaly of treasure
or an error in the charts
of eternity beyond forever?"
they questioned --
"No" came the reply
of the handmaiden Sylphs
spreading garnet nebulas
from their shimmering baskets
while tossing whirlpool constellations
before the encrusted beast.
"That is the brooch of time --
a birthday gift
en route to Aurilia, the mother goddess of galaxies --
This is her diamond jubilee --
Today she is
a trillion."