When Bright Suns Fade Away Poem by Patti Masterman

My father's an old exploded sun-
Suns can stop functioning, but there remains
The quantum, of their metaphysical rays;
Cloudless days in memory, without any rain,
A startling brightness at happiness's edge-
And strong, so you won't dwell on it too much-
But take comfort it's shining dutifully, most days.

Mother was his clear moon-
Nearest, dearest; closest orbit, sacrificial path
Into his greater gravity- they made a world entire
With me, as representative star
Abiding near their nearness,
Keeping my narrow track farther away-
Whether nemesis or guardian, they would not say

As planetary bodies and stars do not inquire
Whether they are loved; they only do their job,
And everything's allowed,
It's all they know to do, and if they think
Their life station humble-
But they are not, will not be
Forgot: Even though bright suns fade away,
Their memory still burns, in shade.