POEM: Before the Stars

This poem is partly about a fabulously fun week I spent with friends at my favorite little resort, Club Amigo Marea del Portillo. While there, the region experienced a very mild earthquake. It was such a tender tremor that most people slept right through it - and missed a gorgeous sunrise!

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Before the Stars

Before this all began,
I knew you well,
as you knew me.
We danced before the stars,
without the need for veils;
then we slept a hundred years.
But you dreamed me up
as I conjured you,
and we danced again.

After the band went home,
we danced some more,
surrounded by friends,
beneath happy stars.
I danced in bare feet,
dreamed with pure joy
and the earth shook gently.

Even after I went home,
I called to you: shalom,
come dance with me;
all will be well.
And you replied: shalom,
we will dance well,
my long-dear friend.

Here, on this crisp night,
the moon is a small smile.
There, in your warm land,
you see the same smile.
The stars are charmed,
and the dance goes on.

- J.R.C.
Feb. 15, 2010