I wrote this to my friend from Massachusetts. For well over 19 years, I always felt protected by him. We had a give and take that always made my heart feel lighter, and me, better. And I think I lifted his heart too.

Massachusetts Stars

When I think of you, I think of a gentle, soft breeze fluttering by
I think of soft tides ebbing toe and fro
I think of the ocean always being calm because there is always peace
I think of the stars above glistening down upon me; guiding my every step with splendid delight

A whisper
Massachusetts star,
Of hope,
Of love,
And of faith enriching my inner refuge
I stand firm, believing in every triumphal life’s call
Knowing that someday the heavens will be ours

Massachusetts stars,
I will always hold dear the many moments that we’ve shared thus far
I will remember and taste the sweetness the heavens have brought to us
I will feel the warm light glowing brightly, illuminating everything that touches my heart
I will embody the goodness that radiates from the sun’s rays

Massachusetts stars,
I will empower my life’s journey going forth
I will meet heaven and earth’s gates as I graciously make straight the way
I will hold fast to all paths put before thee, and I will walk forward slowly till our stars meet in rhythmic time.
A Beam

From a thought within
Came a flickering light.
A twinkle,
A glimmer,
A back-and-forth movement
Steadily sparkling bright, luminous light

Taking in oxygen
From the rays it gave,
I felt its warmth
In every single way

With each and every turn
Came a stronger inner voice
Transporting,
Transmitting,
And guiding me;
Focused in every way

There were many glowing lights
Bringing balance to my life,
But only one, after many passings,
When the earth stopped in reverence

An angel appeared.

Like a lunar eclipse, it carried me,
Gently to essential elements
I dreamed of all my life.

You can order my poetry collection, including this poem, here: Reflections of My Heart. 

Original text ©2025 by Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved. Image from the Smithsonian Institution via Wikimedia.