Under Dark Skies

I’ve known the stars, but known their absence too.

I’ve seen my heroes bronzed in distant fire,

I’ve seen the onyx night stained through and through.

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In memories my dusks bear residue

Of city lights unleased from pulsing wire,

And show me stars, but show their absence too.

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And—of night myself, but nursed upon the view

Of electric bleach splattered on the spire

Of onyx nights stained through and through—

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In the twilight air, I watched the night renew

Dim, flickering beams that struggle to inspire.

(I’ve known these stars, but known their absence too).

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I’ve braved the early hours, when morning calls the dew

And Venus, in her sphere, recalls desire,

From an onyx night stained through and through.

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Through years I’ve wandered to skies that never knew

The city lights, and watch the dome aspire

To show me stars without their absence too,

Forgetting onyx nights stained through and through.