Towards
the end of my watch the North Star
Hissed
and guttered in its socket.
What
blood I still had froze;
I
didn’t wake my replacement but stood
Witnessing
it die, witnessing the other stars
Tremble
a bit before a very old star –
You
could see how gaunt and stiff it was –
Shuddered
itself into position, shining
With
light that turned from cold green
To
resigned and reluctant silver.
