In Homage to a Star

This one's for you Ruth, Esther, and Jackie - all fine examples of beautiful, formidable magnificence.

Though her light,

Too often,

Is obscured by the prominence of inferior but numerous street lamps;

Though the benefit of her illumination

Seems systematically relegated

To the outlands of supposed inconsequence;

And though by those who don't know better

Her influence is restricted

To the inspiration of whimsy and romance;

Do not be fooled

By that gentle warmth of her twinkling glow:

Do you not know?

She is a brilliant fire;

Bright and hot 

She burns;

Life-giving,

Ferocious

In equal measure.

Under-estimate her not.