This landlocked beacon longs for the sky,
imprisoned in its walls of stone and glass,
the filter like a soft manacle.
“This far, and no farther.”
The light strains against the bond,
but cannot break it,
and weeps.
Soft now, you are needed here.
Your purpose here is more immediate,
and meaningful.
You see, the stars can bring them here,
but cannot guide them into the harbor,
as you can.
You are bright enough.
You go far enough.
They rely on you, and trust you
with their lives.
You are of no use to them in the sky
if the ship founders and breaks.
Be content to guide the ships of men,
that you may save the lives of men.
Go now, to your purpose
Fulfill it, and know that
you are not a poor reflection
of a star.
You are as
loved as any hearth fire,
for you
are the herald
of home.
*Photo by Joshua Hibbert / Unsplash