if i had a ladder, a very tall one, i'd prop it up against one of the brightest stars that dust the night sky above. and i'd climb up that ladder, up past the treetops, far beyond the mountaintops in the east...towards the tiny glittering lights above...and i'd look back, back down on the fields we tend each day, the straight rows and voluptuous orchards. i'd look back down on the kitchen pulsing with life, on the kitties slumbering in produce boxes in the packing shed, on the river rambling at the edge of the farm...and i'd just smile a warm smile...happy, in amongst the shimmering lights that i gaze at before bed each night...

***

"i'd like to rest my heavy head tonight

on a bed of california stars.

i'd like to lay my weary bones tonight

on a bed of california stars.

*

i'd love to feel your hand touching mine,

and tell me why I must keep working on.

yes, I'd give my life to lay my head tonight

on a bed of california stars.

*

i'd like to dream my troubles all away

on a bed of california stars.

jump up from my starbed,make another day

underneath my california stars

*

they hang like grapes on vines that shine,

and warm the lovers' glass like friendly wine.

*

so, i'd give this world just to dream a dream with you

on our bed of california stars."

*

-woodie guthrie

'california stars'