June 23, 2011Stella
for my daughter’s daughter
We’re on a far shore
near the manta ray’s
rock where she folds
and unfolds herself
The stars burst forth
Before the bright hotel
was built the Southern Cross
glowed visible
April in three weeks
you’ll more or less swim
yourself out from the darkness
that still flecks the iris
of your eyes like black salt
from Molokai
The astronomer
loops the naked Pleiades
and through his lens
we can glimpse hidden
as you are still
hidden the cloud
of your bright burning
If I knew how to paint
a guardian spirit
I’d brush an ama kua
right on your crib
A honu in Pacific green
who would hear
every sob and quirk of you
There’s a gate at home
that will not close
missing a latch
I’ve left it open
Some day when you come
seeking riding through
the miles of night
holding onto Leo’s
generous mane
I will wait for you
Stella by starlight
from #34 - Winter 2010