After All

The stars are out. I thought I saw them once
On Earth: they almost twinkled through the smog.
I told my father; he called me a dunce.
The lights were Ships, the stars were dark. Agog
I stared then double-hard, and caught the gleam
Of sudden engines bursting into fire
And knew from then to now a desperate dream
Of Shipping Out. It was my heart's desire.
Our engines caught; we spun; I was amazed
Feeling the pull of gravity recede.
I thought it was a wonder all my days
Would never equal, and I had no greed
For more. But then I looked. The stars are there.
And I am struck beyond all past compare.