howling coyote
great owl's moonlit serenade--
moaning of the train

(for Stephen)

if i had to catch a trillion stars
to have you back in my arms
i'd weave them into a glittering lasso
twirl it through the biting night
until it hugged your aura
the way fathers embrace
prodigal sons
so that you would know
each second
each dazzling orb
each burly arm
awaits your safe return

the blue moon aglow
endless stars on indigo
you and I apart

starlight tumbles bright
winter leaves fall from the trees
the bear cannot sleep

the night brings
with its glittering sky
cricket choir
lightning bug

The light breeze
wakes the sleeping palm
the orb weaver
spins its lacework

A cat sits
tail wrapped
sniffing the dew
of the night-blooming jasmine

In the center
eyes closed
deep breath in
slow breath out

legs one under
the other hands
to the side
eye open

He soars above
the chirping chorus
the solitary cat
above the weaver

Over the palm
with the lightning bug
the scent of jasmine
ignites his aura

He is one
with the stars
He soars
Free