Pale Star

(Lines written in recollection of a young girl born premature)

Pale star

Shine bright

Reach far

This night.

Sleep well

Sweet child

We dwell

Beguiled.

You came

Part-termed

Your frame

Scarce-formed.

Life’s lease

Restore

Else cease

Implored.

Your breath

So faint

Cheat death

Blithe saint.

Glass dome

Your cot

Enthrone

Our lot.

They said:

‘Don’t be’

Instead:

Be free.

Half-form

I sense

Twice-more

Intense.

‘Gainst all

You are.

Ne’er fall

Pale star.