A Trembling Star

"There is my little trembling star," she said. I looked; once more The tender sea had put the sun to bed, And heaven's floor Was grey. And nowhere yet in all that young night sky Was any star, But one that hung above the sea. Not high, Nor very far Away. "I watch it every night," she said, and crept Within my arm. "Soft little star, I wish the angels kept It safe from harm Alway. "I know it is afraid," she said; her eyes Held a sweet tear. "They send it all alone into the skies, No big stars near, To stay. "They push it out before the sweet, kind moon Lights up the sea. They laugh because it fears the dark. `Soon, soon, You'll braver be,' They say. "One night I climbed far up that high white tree Beside the beach, And tried to stretch my hand across the sea And tried to reach The grey. "For something made me feel my heart would break Unless that night I in my hand my trembling star could take And kiss its fright Away. "There only blew a strange wind chillily, And clouds were swept. The angels would not let my own star see That someone wept. I pray "To Christ, who hears my little prayers each night, That He will seek Through all His skies for that sweet, frightened light, And stoop His cheek And say "`My angels must not send so frail a thing To light the West. Lift up the little trembling star to cling About my breast Alway.'"