i was minding my thoughts
there about the melting snow
in close proximity to christmas

a not-quite-star pushing bright
through the not-quite cloud
— this is love

i wanted to think
but there’s no thinking
when the night hasn’t started

i reached for my camera
but remembered i can’t take a picture
of anything that’s not quite anything

the real clouds came in
before the real stars
and the darkness decided it was time

to let me think
all the things I shouldn’t think
— but it’s night, and everyonw knows
i will