Celestial Bodies

"O God, guide me, protect me,

make of me a shining lamp

and a brilliant star.

Thou art the Mighty

 and the Powerful."

- Abdul-Bahá

stars shine,

pulling their insides

outside themselves -

inspecting "the book

of one's own self" (1)

leaving no stone unturned

how insightful

they are

stars illuminate

far-reaching galaxies

cosmically beautifying

an entire universe -

a feat we mirror

when helping others:

serving minds of infinite beauty

"heavenly gems" (2)

of limitless intricacy -

brightening celestial bodies

of the night sky

how lofty

their purpose is

stars expand

"striving unceasingly" (3)

to transform into red giants -

relentlessly evolving,

as stagnation is the death of saints

and meaning's temple

is built on unyielding growth -

for having the mere intention

for goodness

without this

is itself

evil

how I wish

I too were a star

1. Baha'ullah, The Four Valleys: The Sanctuary of the Desired One.

2. Bahaullah, Gleanings LXXII, p 159

3. Abdul-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace