Young lovers,
after curfew,
in the park.

She whispers
birdsong to
the dark.

“I am a student, eager
to learn, teach me how
to bring these stars
down around you.

I want to make
a gift to you
of the sky.”

He lies back
on her trifold blanket
and replies,

“And if the stars
aren’t yours
to give?”

She snuggles
closer
and says,

“Then I offer
you all of me,
instead.”

“Well then,”

he smiles and
strengthens
his embrace,

the galaxy from
them fades,

they lie entwined,
eyes shut,

“Well then, I’d just as soon
the stars stay put.”