chagall backdrop

The stars will show no favor
withhold answers with stoic reserve
despite burning madly

So we never know how they came to be
five-pointed

Or how it’s decided which will emerge
as the first one seen tonight

Wishes and dreams soaked-up and trapped
with power to make none come true

And after all they burn out
fade red light, leave us dark and alone

Still
the pulse . . .

© Chagall 2014