Even with distance, I think I understand
the beauty of the cities, the streetlamps
and headlights. Still, let me take you,
just for the evening,
to one of those rare, sacred places

where the night is dark enough to let
the galaxies seep in. 
The smoky band of Orion’s arm,
the wash of cobalt and vermillion, 
the green shadow of the new moon.  
Lie back

on the damp earth, breathe as the
cosmic dust settles quietly 
into your lungs. 
Let your night vision return to you. 
Why should I ever feel lonely,
under the light of all this sky?