Stars in Their Courses

OH, how the stars glow there in the offing —
Steadfast, serene on the highways of God!
Oh, how my heart aches here in its scoffing —
Weary, I challenge the path I have trod.

Somewhere I missed it — the joy and the sadness —
The fingerboard pointing the way of the heart;
Lured by the song of a bird in its gladness —
The gleam of a wing that led me apart.

Or maybe the wild roses blinded my seeing —
I stooped to their perfume but found not the trail;
The highway was broad, the daylight was fleeing,
And singing youth’s lyrics I passed down the vale.

But I lost it! And now there is no more returning;
Lighthearted and joyful I went to my fate;
I followed the lure while the false lights were burning.
Then woke from my day-dream, — but outside the gate.

Oh, how the stars in their courses are swinging—
Steadfast, serene in the grip of the law!
And I, foolish pilgrim, grope on but keep singing —
Yea, baffled, I live by the vision I saw.

Lo, there from the zenith a bright star is falling! —
A pathway of glory that ends in the dark;
I see, though I’ve lost — and the vision’s enthralling
One law for the planet, or star-dust, or lark!