The Star

When I was a boy I searched the skies

For the truth, a star, and the worldly wise,

But ever the path of the brightest lay

On my neighbour’s roof, or another’s way.

 

So I chose a star and I called it ‘Dawn’

As the brightest light in a summer storm

And I charged it: ‘Lay out my future way

As bright as the path you trace today.’

 

But when I was older, learned and wise

I left the star in the drifting skies

And never a thought of the star was lent

While the truth, the star, and my faith was spent.

 

And when I was down, and worn, and thin,

I got to think what I might have been

And searched for the star in the drifting skies

And cried its name at the pale sunrise.

 

I’ve scanned and searched for a single star

Since the way of the world was far too far,

But all I get are the skies alight

Or a deep despair on a cloudy night!

 

David Lewis Paget