California

As stars shine in a deep ocean

As I read late into the night

As small pink eyelids close under the warm light of a lamp

As I skim the stanzas, paragraphs, lines

As a phrase, word, color, sticks out

Like a bump on your beautiful imperfect face

So sweet and darling to me

As I realize how long we've

Known each other?

Been friends?

Just been.

As I walk onto this unfamiliar carpet

As I look at newly-bought postcards

As I think about life

and death

I can't seem to remember a time without you.

Then I know why the stars shine in that neverending

Between us and where.