Beyond The Stars


Original digital realistic art: “A Love Beyond The Stars” by: rob kistner © 8/15/23
 

My love
we have both moved forward
into a definitive time
of critical personal transition

all we humans know
and perhaps
grudgingly accept
that we will
as it’s been said
perish from this earth

in our early lives
that hangs in the air
conceptually

it is not definitive

we need not move it
to the top of our
what’s next list
and certainly
not to top of the list
“when”

but for you and I
lover
that “what’s next” list
has a top
the “what” topper

for me
that topper is CHF
congestive heart failure

for me
it is the leading contender
for “what takes Rob out”

the “when” is still
not in black and white
but a dark grey — soon
is the odds on favorite
to top the “when” list

for you, dear Kathy
it is most possibly
your throat cancer
that tops your “what” list

though I have joined with you
in an ongoing battle
to forestal your “when”

make no mistake
we’re both on a fast moving
transition track
on a timetable of totality
and the clock is ticking
loudly

we both stand
fully in grasp
of this reality

of our transitions

we accept the challenge
in both our cases
and we fight on

to infinity
and beyond
to a timeless place
beyond the bounds
of temporal space

I want to applaud you
my bright star
for your courage
in this most difficult time
of our dual transitions

I want you to know
precisely — that

your courage
know wholly that

know that —
in your soul
my lover
my warrior

I am proud of who you are
and honored by your love

also
I want you to know
to feel

please hear
beyond just these words
because my deepest love
is in here — calling

I pray I can hold on
to the wonder of you
my love
for a lifetime longer

however long that may prove to be

please know
my beautiful warrior
that I have
that I do
and that I will forever
beyond the stars
love you
with all my heart

with all the essence
of my being

THANK YOU!


Original digital realistic art:
“Have You Seen The Stars Tonight”
by: rob kistner © 8/15/23

*
rob kistner © 7/24/23
Poetry at: dVerse

 


This one is just for you, my love…

22 thoughts on “Beyond The Stars”

  2. This is so real and touching, Rob. What a fine discourse on the end of life and beautiful tribute to your wife. You are right, when we were young we put this part of our life way down the list. No more denial at this age! Well done.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Dwight. When we start, the monsters are just fairy tales, but overtime, and unfortunate circumstance, they become more recognizable, until that day when their face is quite real and well defined. At that point you reach the double F territory, where you either Fear, and be controlled by that — or you Fight, and begin living a fearless life. After all, at that point the “what” has essentially lost its ability to surprise you — as “what” is now identified. So now you fight to push that bastard ”when” as far into the future as you wish to, or at least try to do that. Taking on that battle gives meaning, energy, and dignity to your life. It ain’t over til it’s over. Kathy and I get it now, in a very tangible way. ~ Do not go gentle into that dark night, rage rage against the dying of the light. ~

      Reply

    1. Thank you Ron… you just stand tall my friend, until you finally just can’t brother. What choice is there. We didn’t build these bodies, we just borrow thdm for long ax we can.

      Reply

    1. Thank you sweet Gillena. She and I will until we can’t. I’m beginning to learn the power and beauty of the flow, and the waste of time it is to resist. Time is not ours, only the experience of it we have the good fortune to enjoy. Don’t miss the experience, because the “you” that is only gets that once — ride the flow, and don’t fret the fear. Definitely don’t manufacture your own my friend.

      Reply

  7. Firstly, thanks for the Jefferson/Crosby song – one of my favourites, Rob. What a beautiful love poem you have written for your wife – she’s a lucky woman. Moving into the twilight years with the one you love isn’t easy, as we never know how long we have, but doing it together is a gift to cherish.

    Reply

    1. Great tune Kim. Loved it ever since I first heard it those many years ago. You know, the hardest thing is learning to expand the small moment to fill beyond their perceived boundaries. Make each the everything and there really are no longer limitations. It is a colloquialism that gets used to tatters — but learning to truly be here now makes life full. Who cares when it ends, we have no control, and it is foolish beyond measure to rob the power of “what is” to dwell on the might be, or will not be. We all get to pass through that gate. Don’t rush to it, enjoy the stroll.

      Reply

  8. I love the insight that so many younger don’t have. Yet it can happen to anyone at any time… but we should still not be waiting… please battle on.

    Reply

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