Starry Conception

The fact that astronomies change 
while the stars abide 
is a true analogy 
of every realm of human life and thought, 

religion not least of all. 

No existent theology 
can be a final formulation of 
spiritual truth.

- Harry Emerson Fosdick
(arranged quote)

Facing the Stars - for David Ignatow

I face the stars
in an empty tundra flat, no one
for miles near, no one knowing
I am here

so that I do not exist other
than in memory and expectation;

except to the dogs that pull me,
the snow, the tussocks
that bear our weight, air
sucked and blown in our breathing,
ravens flying over,
lemmings burrowing under,
the wolves, fox, lynx, marten…
that wonder
what I am up to
with my bundled sled;

and except for my own mind
that is not frightened of itself
in the silent space, facing the stars
the sisters of my mother
winking.

-Mary Kancewick