Reading the Signs If we are random atoms, you and I Two meteoric bodies made of light We fly through space and time On separate paths, yet guided by A sign, a cosmic signal from Above... Who can ignore the oracle who speaks Of an uncommon happening in sight A sign we look for in the stars In tea leaves at the bottom of a cup We try to read a message in the clouds Or pull the petals off a flower And read the message of the hour As we continue on our outward flight Into madness, out of dark despair Or only to suspend ourselves in air To fall into what only lies ahead (To land upon one's heart, or on one's head?) I cannot speak so easily for you Or know what is a lie or what is true Distinguishing in deep obscurity Whether it be amity, or lust, or just Between my unique atoms and your own... As we travel on together, or we go on alone... A bond of friendship, or we may find If only Fate be extraordinarily kind... Love. by Dona Pearson 6/16/2000 Poetry