Cardinal Star
I rock first one foot, then the other,until the mattress swells and sways
like the great grey cradle of the sea,
but still I cannot sleep. Yes.
I know what it is to be lost at sea.
The endless surge and sweep of thought,
the swell and fall of breath, the sun's
dazzle splintered across the shifting
peaks as far as the eye can see. Seagulls
do not wheel the air this far from home;
it is only aimless swurl of current here
where no man was ever meant to be.
But tonight the Dipper whirls and scoops
and pours again, tonight you stretch
beside me: lean curving shores of home.
I hear you breathe, serene. I dream.
Starlight glitters on the edges of my gaze,
arcing far above this vast delirium of sea.
Who would trust these faery tricks and twinkles?
Turn hungry eyes towards the Little Dipper
and her stars will dance away. I know this.
But I have been adrift too long, and 'safe'
and 'sane' have lost their charm for me.
I turn to face you, Cardinal Star. I hope for home.
5 March, 2005
Brighton Court