For Taz

Paint-your-own Constellations

I remember that night we started up at the sky
And you tried to teach me the constellations
You named them, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Orion

But I only had eyes for the moon
Her spotted face outshining everyone

When I was a child I always knew when the moon was up--
Day or night I would spot it and point

Even before I could speak in sentences
I could find the moon and point to it
Drawn as though with the tide.

Now, in these dark nights I squint up at the sky and remember your soft voice
I redraw the stars for you
That one's the first time we held hands
That one's the shape of your eye when you smile
That one's your laugh

The evening air chills my spine but I press on
Intent on making the stars in your own image
Although your eyes would doubtless outshine them if given the chance
That one's the ache in my chest
The ache of missing you.