I do not see the stars from where I stand 

but I know they are there.

You tell me “look up” (you hope we can share this). 

I smile and say “I see them, too.” 

I walk back inside

alone

and sit at my kitchen table.

A half-empty box of cereal bears bright 

big letters and I want to send you a photo 

of the strange cartoon character.

But instead I sit 

and stare out the window 

willing the stars to come out. 

And I think, for a moment, that I 

see some silver light dancing

through the blackness of clouds (but it is only my imagination).

My phone pings 

and I stare at the screen, 

at the message from you.

A picture of a cereal box 

with a strange cartoon character.

And I look out the window 

and see how stars appear,

and I feel you sitting next to me 

as if you weren’t that far at all.