THE EVENING STAR

O evening star, that hangs in bliss
Above the land and the creeks and pines,
You’re a lighted mantle sewn with kiss,
Where orb and heaven intertwines.

And all the air is still, still sweet
With freedom’s quiet, just like you;
My heart in the night and quiet beat—
Where is the light that makes me true?

But still you burn with your glorious shine,
Like a jewel lost in the heart of night;
And all my longing to be divine
Can feel your strength, and also bite.

• Bliss Carman