Maria

I first met Maria in a psychiatric hospital
Just outside Cincinnati.
Her doctor insisted that she undergo
Shock therapy, but she refused.
She said she had important business in the
Outside world, and needed her mind
As it was, free and undefiled.
She left to go live with her mother
Upstate, where, it just so happened,
I went camping with a friend one summer.
I saw her one night, hiking
Along the river bank.
She was trudging barefoot in the mud,
Dressed in tatters, humming a tune,
And carrying a tote bag.
She stopped me, opened her bag,
And showed me the contents.
Inside were glowing, yellow balls.
She said they were stars,
And, with her thumb and forefinger,
Proceeded to pluck one from the sky.
She handed it to me, and walked away,
Continuing to hum her simple, happy tune.