Satellite Search

We've taught the kids to spot satellites.
Circled around the small campfire that
plays host to supper – beans, burgers,
and a pan of cast-iron fried potatoes –
we tilt our heads back, dial ourselves
to panoramic view. The little ones take
time to adjust, squirming on our laps,
chatting away as if the whole canopy
of open night were not blinking down
on us. Slowly, they settle, heads to our
chests. We tally planes, trace to Polaris,
and watch for that unnaturally steady
speck, that tiny bead arrowing across
flecked black, interloper extraordinaire.