Stars

to light a field of stars 

you must reach up

with the candle flame

over and over

and your reach is determined 

by the number of people 

who will lift you up

lately, my friends

you have not grown tired 

of lifting me 

your fingertips stretching 

to the sky

exalting me a little more

each day

your friendship is the 

bright field of starlight 

glimmering above me

it is a blanket of kindness

rather than dominion 

that I will not forget

when the long night 

stretches before me

I will count the stars

and myself lucky 

that your generous hearts 

lift me up

Photo courtesy of Andrew F. March, clear skies at Second Roach Pond, Instagram @tihtokolok