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When the Sky is Empty, I Feel Far Away
by Jason Vanderlaan

Stars always contain a promise
Even when seen though the haze of city lights
Or the smoke of a backyard fire
Like the one I'm sitting near –

Heat warm on my face,
Cool grass between my fingers
And my cat purring beside me.

We're listening
To the midnight symphony of crickets chirping
And frogs calling to each other across the field.

And I'm sure this night
Is designed to give me hope,
Yet I can't help but notice
That there are as many planes as stars tonight

(Though the intermittent fireflies
Are trying desperately hard
To make up for the shortage).

And I can't help but wonder if Abraham
Ever thought the sky looked less full
Than when he first really saw it.

© 2008