My Cardboard Balcony

Look At The Stars by Belinda Roddie Look at the stars! I'd like to catch them with a giant net and take them to the sea where my home sits along the sand. I'll sift through each of them and find one just for me, to hang up in my room like a night light. It cannot be too small, and not too dim, but also, it can't be too big and bright, or else I will be blinded. As I skim my books, the star beam upon each word, guiding me through each story that I read. My mom says taking a star is absurd, saying it must guide others still in need of constellations in their life. I guess I shouldn't put her worries to the test.

"I know the truth!" "You have no proof!" "Man, she's so mad - she's through the roof!" "I know your feelings!" "My head is reeling!" "Your lips are in need of some serious sealing!" "I hate this ride!" "I feel so alive!" Here I am on the railroad, the lonesome bride, while my parents are screaming, my husband is steaming, and I have no sense of pride.