Poems

             The Waning Star   

I am a star whose light is smothered

By darkness. I was once a guide to men in

The night, who walk in the absence of the sun. Would

That, by all the heavenly bodies, I could shine again!

I long to be a Night Beacon once more! Had

I been extinguished, you know, taken

Away, 'cause my service was finished,

I would not complain. But it's plain

And simple: my time of service has not expired.

I'm no longer a light shining for the sons of man

'Cause I've been unfaithful, so untrue to him who called

Me to his noble work. How shall I face the sun

When the morning is come? He'll be so displeased.

What shall my excuse be?—“I was having fun,

Sun, and your noble work, it so inconvenienced

Me?" That shall never do 'cause I'm in

Pure delight when his work I do. But He'd

Never believe that he's my delight. Why should he when

Our actions speak so much louder than word?

So away with self! Lead then

The way, O Sun! You win. Friend,

To your yoke I bow. Only hear my petition!

I need your approval—this only has sustained

Me. Approved, I take up the banner again: Awake! Awake! Give heed, O Iron

Will Men, to my urgent message! The night will soon have passed!

The penetrating sun is coming. Awake out of darkness and repent! Sin

Shall not escape his blazing light. All will be manifested

For what they are. You who in

Secret delight in unrighteousness and

Injustice shall be ashamed when

Completely naked you shall stand

Before Him, a multiplicity of eyes, and heavenly bodies, clean

And clear from your covering of night. All shall be revealed.