Nights That Last the Night - April 15 2023

 

Nights That Last the Night

April 15 2023

Even in low earth orbit

   —  so close

they could be skipping-stones

barely skimming the atmosphere   —

it's the little things they miss.

The wind in your face.

A hot shower

for as long as you wish.

Things

that stay where they're put.

And the smells

you took for granted.

Of freshly turned soil,

newly cut grass,

just baked bread

cooling on its rack.

Of summer rain

when it first hits the pavement.

We are not meant for space.

Just a few miles

from Mother Earth

and we’re yearning for home;

the simple things

we only notice in their absence.

Yes, gravity

family

air.

But who knew

it was the wind in your hair

and nights that last the night.

We are all homebodies,

even the restless souls

intrepid adventurers.

So they re-enter

through hellfire and furious sound,

the weight of two grown men

piling on.

Touch down

and find they can barely stand

are unable to walk.

And while being carried off

all it takes

is a single deep breath

of richly scented air

to feel at home again.