Howard Firkin
for Jenny, leaving
Hey star girl! Where you heading now? And where
do you imagine needs your sparkle more
than here? I’ve asked them: everybody’s sure
where you belong—and no one wants to share
with others more than we already do!
Hey star girl. Sweet, intense, and lovely one.
Don’t go. Get better. Don’t leave now. Not yet.
Those future star girl fans you haven’t met,
and those you have—so much remains undone
and all of us, we want it done with you.

Goodbye, sweet-hearted girl. You must be gone.
I should want you to free yourself. I don’t.
But go. Just one less star to wish upon.
The universe may darken, but you won’t.