I can see
how the Polynesian sailors
made friends with the stars

stellar points of reference
constant connections
that only
slowly
rounded
through the night
out of sight

more than friends
they were
the celestial compass
pointing the way
home

for three nights
in the twenty-first century
I leave my GPS
and Google maps
behind
all points lead
here

my body held in the meld
of sand
the perfect shape
to fit
my form
each night
my eyes have only one place to cast upon
a night sky
no distraction
but for more than a billion
stars

that big dipper
tipping
same place
every evening
daring to ladle
a hefty helping
of the sea,
my heart

ancient people
once
laid upon this shore
and lived
hungry or full
in love
or broken-hearted
this canopy
of light delay
was their Constant

can I forever imprint
the signpost
of these diamond markers
on my soul
pocket them for guidance
for when I’m back
and housed in doors
merely sneaking peeks to sky
through lamp-lit windows

these heavenly bodies
are falling
tonight
plenty of chances
to pin hopes on dreams
but no wishes seem to matter
here
sand
sea
me

there is only one longing
I don’t want to lose sight
may I never forget
the infinite dots
connecting
me
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