Wishing Time Away

One summer night in the country

On the front porch steps 

Of the farmhouse 

At the end of the dirt road

Sits a boy 

Staring at the night sky.

His youthful eyes

Vision sharp as an eagle

Select a single star 

Not the biggest

Not the brightest

But is speaks to him 

Louder than the rest.

He closes those same eyes

And silently makes a wish

Not for wealth or toys

Not for things that pass away

He wishes instead 

That someone special

Would be his special friend.

Thirty years later

And half a lifetime spent

That same wish remains

Unanswered but still his

HOPE remains

Then out of nowhere

Just as he has resigned 

Himself to keeping 

All the things the others

Laughed at hidden inside

His wish is granted.

One winter night in the city

On the front porch steps

Of the split foyer

In the cul de sac

Sits a man

Staring at the night sky.

His eyes strain to see

That same single star

Not the biggest

Not the brightest

But it still speaks just as loudly.

He closes those same eyes 

And silently says "Thanks"

For the gift that is most precious

And is there to stay 

He thanks his lucky star 

For the gift of his special friend.