The Poetry Corner

To Dick, On His Sixth Birthday

By Sara Teasdale

Tho' I am very old and wise, And you are neither wise nor old, When I look far into your eyes, I know things I was never told: I know how flame must strain and fret Prisoned in a mortal net; How joy with over-eager wings, Bruises the small heart where he sings; How too much life, like too much gold, Is sometimes very hard to hold.... All that is talkingI know This much is true, six years ago An angel living near the moon Walked thru the sky and sang a tune Plucking stars to make his crown And suddenly two stars fell down, Two falling arrows made of light. Six years ago this very night I saw them fall and wondered why The angel dropped them from the sky But when I saw your eyes I knew The angel sent the stars to you.