Rising Star Poem

when a star 
rises
the sky 
wonders
and earth 
trembles
a gathering
of spirits
y abuelitas
making room 
for one more
son 
coming home
the bright light 
shine
of crossover
traveling
in between
worlds
of living
and dying
the strength
in willing
more time
to let go
rolling homemade
flour tortillas 
by the dozen
a giveaway
in love
beads
and dusting flour
hands rubbing 
skin before
last time
to remember
how strong
a word 
can be
shared
rising star
shaking earth
the dampened
comfort
of December
forest stand
still
sacred buffalo
pause
coyote stare 
hold
white wolf
woven
in soul warmers
the portal
of reawakening
consciousness
the last road
trip
to ever be
taken
ocean waves
slow retreating
cedar scenting
plant air
staying warm
by crackling fires
offering wood
gratitude
the sound
of ancestors
in flute
calling song
soothing lifetime
wounds
rolling words
in poetry
felt out
feelings
in blueberries
and maple
tasting
last breaths
feeling lightweight
in incredible
pureness
weightlessness
sought
since birth
rain misting
orange peels
forgiving
smoke signals
sweetened grass
and juniper
copal turning
softened heart
rocks
poets hold
gently
when held
in understanding
all the misunderstood
only understood
together
when a star
rises 
and love wins.

c/s tara evonne trudell