A Cup of Stars
A Cup of Stars
dedicated to Maria and Greg
Here
we are welcomed
by the Snowy Range
as winter is coming
to the Western Sierra Nevadas
winding through
this glacier-sculpted valley
where granite zooms impossible
like fountains into the sky
slipping through sentinel groves
here ancient sequoias grant permission
guiding us to enter
the gaping bear’s mouth
the snow-glazed
the magnificent Ahwahnee
Here
creeks are tumbling
down bony ravines cascading
around misted boulders
here carving
through fragrant earth
streaming through
chiseling caverns
forming magnificent shapes
their breath nourishing
the land
cultivating this valley
Here
flows the Merced
dances brilliance up
from its depths
to dazzle reflecting
the stars blazing
diamonds
turning forever
in lustrous abundance
around the wheel
of seasons
Here
river water softens
turning clay malleable
precision
blending the two
skill defining
the vessel
offering the essence
the blessings
of life
Here
today we gather together
celebrating your wedding
invoking
grace for the two
pledging
our support here
witnessing your devotion
sharing in your promise
Here