Stardust

Aug 10 2012

Perfect viewing, tonight,

as earth passes through

a storm of small black rocks.

Just a shard of moon

the clouds' timely departure.

The remnants of asteroids,

as old as the planets' start.

They will spark

flaring fiercely, then go dark,

impersonate falling stars

4th of July

fireflies.

Who go seeking mates

on August nights like this one,

proclaiming cool desire

with chemical light.

Meteorites

rarely touch down,

too small to penetrate

the heat shield of air.

So we freely imagine

make a wish

feel no fear.

And the fireflies

do they feel perplexed?

Do they ascend

into rarefied air

in pursuit of light,

only to die

disappointed?

Or do they get their wish,

burn brief, and fabulous

then turn to dust?

As, in the end

will all of us.