Having realised that I am mortal,

That I go barehanded, as I have come,

In exchange for a star

I swapped brick and mortar.

The people I entered into a deal

Now live in what I used to dwell

But I am still in the hopeless business of

Chasing what appears to be an elusive star.

Star finder; tell me, when you stare there,

How does my star high up fare?

Search I may continue as I have done thus far,

But it is palpable I may go without seeing my star.

If in case it came round

When I have gone aground,

Tell it I have taken no umbrage,

But this must be the case,

It ought to take charge

Of those I left behind that have not came of age.

 Copyright Haileselassie Girmay

27/9/2001