First Star I See Tonight

I wished upon the first star

asking for a thousand more nights of useless wishes

and a thousand silver coins

to waste on wishing wells.

I wished to see the dogwoods bloom

to breathe the scent of lilacs one more time.

I asked to fall asleep to the whippoorwill's song

hanging on until the last exultant note.

I wished to see my daughter's wedding

my son's game-winning catch

I wanted to watch my husband grow old

and see my age reflected in his eyes.

I wished that wishing was a worthwhile solution

that stars had the power to stop death.

I wished that I could live for a thousand more nights

to wish on the first star I see.