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Poetry Archives

A continuing selection of classic and contemporary poems.

Star Light, Star Bright—

Dorothy Parker

Star, that gives a gracious dole,
  What am I to choose?
Oh, will it be a shriven soul,
  Or little buckled shoes?

Shall I wish a wedding-ring,
  Bright and thin and round,
Or plead you send me covering—
  A newly spaded mound?

Gentle beam, shall I implore
  Gold, or sailing-ships,
Or beg I hate forevermore
  A pair of lying lips?

Swing you low or high away,
  Burn you hot or dim;
My only wish I dare not say—
  Lest you should grant me him.
Online text © 1998-2008 Poetry X. All rights reserved.
From Death and Taxes | Written c. 1931
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