Star of Wonder
From the front yard of my parents’ house,
I point to Venus shining bright and huge
over the field across the road.
My family has gathered again after too long an absence.
We marvel at how close the star seems
——an astronomical wonder someone says;
a rare alignment never again seen in our lifetime.
After a few moments, the silent awe is broken.
My sister, Karen, announces that the star
is setting on someone’s security tower,
and how can we be so blind as to not notice
its five-point shape with tiny lights twinkling——
a mere Christmas decoration for the neighbor’s yard.
Our gaze shifts from the star in question, to my sister.
And with a sigh, my niece walks over to take
the glass of wine from her mother’s hand.
It is Christmas, and as usual, we are celebrating.
I LOVE this poem/experience. It says so much about the night and brings up so many of my own vino memories. I will never forget this incredible Harvest Moon Nonie and I stared at in awe through the trees. Her father came out and we were eager to share the beautiful view. He pointed out that it was the back of the Union 76 Ball at the gas station a block over on Kettleman Lane. Then he told us to stay out of his liquor!