The Language of Stars

Originally appeared in Wrong Turn Lit.

Once you start learning the names
of constellations, you will never
see the night sky the same way again.
You will constantly be
chasing the
Little Dipper. Orion. Sirius.

Sometimes feelings
are like that too. Once
you know they exist, you
will spend the rest of your life
chasing them.
Vellichor. Chrysalism. Love.

I don't know much about
astrology—and the nights aren't clear
enough to see the stars.
I've spent a lifetime trying to name the
light I'm chasing.
Occhiolism. Silience. Sonder.