on a cold august night
nine girls  bundle up in wool socks
closed-toe shoes are the rule
and bring your flashlight too

on a wind-chilled night
nine girls hear the college freshman say
“tell me about your dreams, girls
and we’ll all wish these stars for you”

on a mosquito heaven night
nine girls stretch their goosebumped legs
walking to the tennis courts
concrete is comfortable when you’re this tired

on a tall tree shadow night
eight girls listen to one girl
who wants to live in the city of angel
with golden sun and golden retrievers

on an orion’s belt night
nine girls point out the big and little dipper
lying down in a circle with their heads put together
their own sun looking up at the stars

on a midsummer dreamy night
eight girls listen to another girl
who paints in colorado and soon in rhode island
and hopefully for the rest of her life too

on a dusty gravel night
nine girls consider the next 4 years
that determine the next 40
and even the 40 after that

on a sixty degree night
eight girls listen to me
i dream of a big backyard and a farmhouse sink
see through the window four kiddies, look at them grow

on a navy, placid night
nine girls watch their supermodel shadows
long dark legs walk back to the cabin
lights out girls, sing the cricket chorus