By Faith Nyabuto
When I have fears that I may die
Before my pen has gleaned my mind,
Before I’ve read the books I seek,
Before my stars begin to shine—
When I behold, upon the night’s starred face,
The clouds that speak of high romance,
And fear I’ll never live to trace
The dreams that shimmer in their dance—
And when I feel, fair creature of an hour,
That I shall never look on thee again,
Nor taste the faery thrill, the fleeting power
Of love unguarded, sweet and plain—
Then on the wide world’s shore I stand, alone,
Till love and fame to silence both have flown.