which is the star and which you

Reprint from original oil painting on cotton paper 1/100

Size 360 x 215 mm

this learning poem is for you
my sleeping child
before i become confused and forget
which is the star and which you

but you are so much more than any star
that even i, forgetful as i am
unused to separating light from light
find yours the brighter of the two

why should i compare you to a star
when the brown earth glows like the sun
water gleams, and autumn leaves
fly like sparks from a whistling wheel

god has given light enough
to those who seek it
but i am learning too
his special grace in choosing you

Shabbir Banoobhai