Summer Stars by Carl Sandburg

Bend low again, night of summer stars.

So near you are, sky of summer stars,

So near, a long armed man can pick off stars,

Pick off what he wants in the sky bowl,

So near you are, summer stars,

So near, strumming, strumming,

So lazy, and hum-strumming.

I’m feeling ready for summer! This summer, for me, means beach time and the north woods, where I can see the stars without the ambient city lights. If I can stay awake late enough, I can lay on the ground and stare at the sky and pretend to pick off the stars that call to me, remembering that we are made of the same “stuff”. I can meditate beneath the stars and remind myself that in this precious life I ought to move through the world remembering what a blessing it is to be a carrier of this star stuff. And remembering this brilliance inside of me, I ought to feel free to express it in the ways in which I am called to do.

This is what I wish for all people- the freedom of expression of one’s unique self and the joy that comes with the affirmation from others that that expression is a thing of beauty. So, that’s why I show up in community- to offer the gift of a space in which one can feel supported. I also show up to learn about all the unique ways other humans take in and perceive the world and then feel called to express it back and give the gift of themselves, their unique star stuff. The universe is quite queer, actually.

I know that not everyone has the privilege of freedom of expression. There are too many who have bought into the patriarchal, white supremacist, heteronormative box. They restrict the freedoms of others. And really, they themselves (without even realizing it) are restricted by the ways of bigotry and hatred.

Love is so liberating. When you look at the stars, listen to what it is that they are strumming. It just may be a brilliant melody of love.

Happy summer, y’all! I hope you all find joy and liberation. I hope you all find some time to show up for each other at UUCL and to share your unique gifts. I look forward to gathering with you again in August and continuing down the path of potential and possibility!