One bright star beckons
from the blackness
a reminder of the magi's search
for their Christ.
It reaches out - encroaching on my ideas
causing a rise
to new levels of consciousness
I feign indifference.

One child reaches for a hand
the beacon in the storm
only to be brushed away
in a hectic moment.
A trust not to be regained.

Through a single act of kindness
there are many recourses.
A new journey unfolds
awakening a sense of responsibility.
One human action procuring involvement
which painfully displays my shallowness.
The human condition materializes before me
lonely faces, voices, hunger, hatred, and war.
I watch with disapproval, turn
and walk away - thoughts devoured
by trivial matters of self-interest.

The star follows
waiting my response
showing up at unexpected intervals
the light gnaws quietly through my dreams.
Must I respond?

1996