to hear people talk—
sea star, Christine, doubt it. 
our kind, we like to watch.
no quick luring words for you.
though sweet, they would be true. 

sea star you are you, and
everyone you talk to.
you are everything, and
you are nothing of them, so

kind sweet man say you,
i don’t say this to be kind.
you need no favors,
not from me.
when you are strong, or
when you falter—either way
you stand irrepressible. 

and through the cage of meticulous
flesh, breath, and reason I stare
at inimitable, illimitable

you.