We watched the NASA rocket launch
Two years ago in fall
Over the grass, under the sky
Behind the ball field's wall.

I raised my hand above us there
And traced a constellation
And while you laughed, corrected me
I scowled in consternation

Then there- above- a streak of orange
Ripping the dim horizon
A trail of light, a touch of fire
Grew brighter, higher, rising.

Your forest eyes, your white-teeth smile
Stretched wider, shown like mirrors
I saw the rocket's upward path
In eyes, so deep and clear.

I could have watched your face for days
Painted in the glow
The fascination burning there
I'd never come to know.