Capture the Stars
(started 1.4.08) 4.8.08

I tried to grab a handful of the sky
to scatter on my ceiling so I could
sleep.under.the. s t a r s
but gravity held me back
and by the time I built myself a pair of wings
(made of sewn-together angel’s feathers),
the sun had stretched its rays like arms
in a winter-sunrise yawn
hiding the stars away—those coveted, invisible smiles

sunshine fingers reached (as if catching
those stars I so desired) and scooped them
o u t – o f – m y – g r a s p

finally, a sliver of a Cheshire-cat smile:
my savior from the blinding light, she comes
bringing with her seraphim-sneezing stars
and now my angel wings will lift me
so I may touch the midnight sky
and drape it across my shoulders, a velvet blanket
a body-binding kiss
and finally the bright-eyed stars
are right where I want them

(in the palm of my hand)