Closer

A few thousand sunsets
before you close your eyes
on the universe
forever.
 
Why are you afraid
of the songs of the woodland,
the dance of the tides,
and the kindness of strangers?
 
Swallow a few stars,
drink from the deep seas,
touch unfamiliar faces,
and when it's pitch dark
and all has gone silent,
place your ear
against the barren grounds
and listen to the banter
of the planet.