Sea of Milk

Chasing wharf rats
as they scamper across
Alderbrook resort & spa
boating dock, we stop
awestruck by starshine
shimmering above us,
dazzling private homes
fenced off from the public;
jumping off the quayside
rodents dance on top
fluorescent oysterbeds
enroute to beach grass
sprouting in random clumps
under the Milky Way magic
aware Hera’s lactating breast
sustains the spiral galaxy
celebrates the ribbon of light
traveled by departed souls
who salute the silver river
without hesitation—as do we—
mesmerised by the glowing band.