everywhere stars

i used to be a star
before they put me in pants
and combed my hair tousle free
and reminded me i can do whatever i dreamed so i better go do it
i used to be a star
dreaming of being a star
until i learned that there are people dying
and that i needed to know about it
and my belly rumbled and didnt know what to do
and the clock said it was time to go
i used to be a star
that hummed star songs brilliantly
and dazzled in the glow of my own light
before they dropped hints
that i needed something to fall back on
an education
a way to make money
and that i was too brilliant of a star to not share my gifts
so i better get educated
and read books
and philosophize
and work
and in terror and excitement at my gifts
my brilliants gifts
and my dreams
my possible dreams
i dropped to my knees
hitting the cold moist earth with a soft thud
and leaned forward to rest my forehead against the ground
breathing slow in supplication

when i opened my eyes
i could see my reflection in the mica that shone from the mud earth
and in the cool sheen of a lake
and in your sad dreaming eyes
until i forgot who i used to be
and started marvelling at the immensity
of trash heaps and busboys and silverware
all night raves and stop lights and paper airplanes and stars
stars stars stars stars stars
everywhere stars
dressed in pants
with combed hair
and dreams outside of themselves