Star Light, Star Bright...

Star Light, Star Bright, First Star I See Tonight

As dusk settles softly over the seas between Cuba and Jamaica I await the first star; remembering nights from another time. As is often the case on Night Watch the veil between now and the past is tissue thin. I can practically smell those magical evenings of my childhood as the sunset lingered forever and the air was filled with anticipation. We would gather in the yards and play endless games of kick the can, chasing and laughing. Slowly night would fall until someone would notice that first star through the trees. Even then I would pause and whisper those magical words to make my wish. Did I wish to be a sailor, exploring distant shores? An Astronaut, visiting the stars? It was all so long ago. Those wishes, sealed away in the vault where our childhood memories live on, are waiting to be dusted off, renewed.

Tonight, is now. I make my wish on the first star I see, Rigel, the foot of Orion. This I know not because I have grown wise as an astronomer over the years. No, through what would have certainly been magic to childhood me, a simple smartphone app. Magic and we hold it in our hands, unappreciated.

So, what did I whisper out here on the sea under the starlight so bright? Some would wish for fair winds. Others, safe passage. Yet more a beautiful destination. None of those for me. No, I have learned the hard way. To wish for one more Corona with a friend, feet up in our flip flops, laughing. One more slice of grandmother’s home-made cherry pie. A hug from Mom.

These days, I ponder my wishes carefully. Unlike that younger version of me, I know that those precious wishes, like these warm  starry nights, are not infinite. I only have so many. I will try and use them wisely.