Entwined inside this midnight tapestry,
rich threads of finespun interstellar light
edged with planets, moons, and nebulae:
your constellation dawns to set me right

so I may pilot outside yellowed charts
of olde worlds we would coolly navigate
to plot new routes through strange and unknown parts
where others fled or dread to speculate.

You schooled me how to hoist these royal sails,
deflect from tempests, read these unclear skies,
respect the oceans, every wave, the whales,
and never capsize in my heavy sighs.

A savvy captain, steering clear with might,
I maintain faith throughout the doubtful night
and seize again upon your sage advice:
avoid all sirens, pirates, ice,

observe auroras, sea birds, any sign
of prospect, risk, deceit, or mutiny
confusing neither gold, desires, wine
as honest compasses toward destiny.

I sometimes glimpse you beaming past the moon
inclined and kind to mind me motherly
intent that nothing, nowhere, should maroon
your only son within this ruthless sea.

With every new adventure you remain
the wind inspiriting every enterprise.
When all is lost, I scope those steady stars
in hopes to spy your proud and guiding eyes.