Starfish Constellations

I wonder about the window
that’s collecting dust as the leaves
are changing colors
close my eyes and hold a seashell
to my ear
listening the ocean
call me back to the beach house
where I can watch the moments
float round and round
in a summer time capsule


In the room above the house
oars rested in fishnets draped
across the ceiling
holding starfish constellations
It was a watch tower
between the sea and moon
Where the sandy breeze tickled my face
Sometimes I can still taste the sea salt

My dark eyes often transport me
I explore the bookshelves of thick texts
with old brown covers that dim the room
You pour me some wine
and I sit close while you read
your favorite poem
about a bird
by Edgar Allen Poe
chasing each word with your finger
as you read them syllable by syllable

On cold nights like tonight
I lie under a deep sea of blue comforters
envisioning the starfish constellations
And I whisper poe's lines:
“the raven sitting lonely…
spoke only that one word, as if his soul
in that one word he did out pour”