City living has its perks, but it also has its drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is ambient light at night, which makes seeing stars a challenge!
When I read this poem by Derek Walcott, I was carried back to my childhood and memories of seeing that last star boldly shining as the sun begins to tint the sky, or that first star to show itself as the sunlight faded. I hope it stirs equally pleasant memories for you.
Star
If, in the light of things, you fade
real, yet wanly withdrawn
to our determined and appropriate
distance, like the moon left on
all night among the leaves, may
you invisibly delight this house,
O star, doubly compassionate, who came
too soon for twilight, too late
for dawn, may your faint flame
strive with the worst in us
through chaos
with the passion of plain day
I’m lucky to be up north right now . . . where we frequently lie on our dock at night and watch the stars. It’s so nice to get away from city lights for some night sky watching! 🙂
Wonderful poem!
That is certainly a downside to city living, though I’m thankful that it’s light pollution and not smog hiding the stars.
We see lots of stars in our sky at night and I appreciate every single one!
I have very fond memories of looking at the night skies and seeing the Aurora Borealis during my youth…at least these days I still get a glimpse of the moon and an occasional star…
Cheers~
street lights are bright around here … it can be hard to find even the major constellations. but I, too, have fond memories of stargazing. the poem definitely resonates – I hope I find some starlight in myself tomorrow!