if only i could reach the stars
Standing on the shoulder of a giant
Straining at the edge of an earthly ladder
Waiting to break free of gravity’s bind
Sailing the blue arc of earth’s thin horizon
The sun a diamond on that band
Skimming the moonlit ocean
Or swimming in an auroral green
Twinkling above and below
A night with ten thousand eyes
How tiny each precious gem,
beloved each miniscule ember
A small being against an immensity
Knowing but few answers
Pondering unknown questions
Ready, thrilled, and frightful.