Jeffrey Erlacher
Stairway to the Stars
Ptolemy raises a hand
expectant gesture of key in lock
the stars sonic ravel
skimming dark matter with light
as it always has gravity whooshes
a parabolic bow
its tenor the vibration of heat
over the hollow deep
so much space between thingand thing
so much room to fuse or sound a wave
if the stars have not yet finished
consuming themselves
burning the churn deep within
flying through the open door or window
isn’t it because we need them to
stay to point up and out
of ourselves?
isn’t it because we feel
less alone when we watch
something that isn’t us burn?
each star rounding in and out of view
making a music that sounds
faintly like the steps of a loved one
ascending slowly out of earshot
Jeffrey Erlacher is a poet and children’s author from Denver, CO. His poems have appeared in Midwest Review, Brushfire, Talking Writing and elsewhere. He’s also published an award-winning children’s historical fiction novel, The Little Palace, from Chipper Press. Find more of his work at jeffreyerlacher.com