Reaching for Stars

"And then I started thinking...
I'm in pain
Because of a nuclear reaction
Of combusting Hydrogen
Atoms that
Reel and rack themselves
Against one another--
A radioactive assault
Against stagnant gravity.
What is real if
Things like stars
Are too brilliant for exposure?"
I let the question float between us,
And watched silently
As the moment withered and died;
Stood motionless while
Strangling the wish between
My own wrought hands.
Then whispered in return,
"Reason is madness
When bodies can burn you
Before you even touch them."