Swallows soar low as the raindrops fall
      mere inches above ripple and sight
Escape with their tails skimming the dew
      the cuts left never abandon their flight.
Fatigued after walking rocky trails steep
We return to the sand patch ‘round the fire
Noisy laughter quiets, and I hear no longer—
     naught but the crackling of sparks as they rise,
     lifting into the sky where they are replaced by
the constellations that play our unending Lullaby
Expands our horizon minute to minute, hour by hour
Follow the sky’s countdown to our moment of departure
Underneath the same stretch of black, yet we each see
     the patterns above us from such different starting points
     and their Ends; A moment stands— the evening long advances
Exist there a close to any song? Perhaps the clouds shall
     shroud our guiding lanterns, or the wind extinguish our sight;
but although the stars may hide— dawn’s coming restores merriment
To some it be alas, to others a-hoorah,
But the Time is now, and our paths pause,
       hiccup,
             breathe--
where the birdies sing.
Thus we strap on pristine boots for our next destinations
And I leave, pack on back, trodding the after road
With our stars still in my eyes.