on a tropical summer night
away from the oppressive heat
where monsters in the mind seem worse.
Now my ceiling glitters with stars,
alluring in the soporific air
with the city lights as if some had fallen.
Moths and butterflies flicker like ghosts
and the local cat strolls imperiously
as a soft breeze caresses my soul
with a gentle hiss of verdant leaves.
I am loathe to return inside
yet with gratitude for this brief respite
observing stars... on such a wondrous night.