Astrologers assign you beryl, gem
of hexagonal crystals, its colors
varied as our visions—a diadem
stars would decorate in heliodor,
morganite, aquamarine, emerald,
even gold. Jewelers offer you citrine
or translucent topaz, stone to herald
clarity I saw in your eyes that time
you spoke to me at Crazee’s. Remember?
(I like your birthday rising up five suns
before my clarity date—November
day I stumbled into graceful region
to calm my soul.) Ancient mystics would bestow you
with pearl: its birthplace like your eyes—the sea’s gray-blue.
Roger Armbrust
November 17, 2010
