Under The Stars

• Ruby-Jane Roberts, Grade 9, Geelong College
• Poetry
• 2022

Excellence Award in the 'National Treasures 2022' competition

You may be there when I need you most, you are my guide to the decisions I make,
A map of the road plotted ahead of me; A destination of dots patterned above me
To guide me through this journey, yet as I wake you fade away.
You light the paths used by few, shining optimism and strength.
You tell the stories least told, filled with magic and power.
You remind me of the light, inspiring innovation, and glowing success.
You shine for me when I am fearful and alone in the dark,
Reminding me not to fall for lies or negative talk darkening my ambitions.
My greatest fear is darkness, the challenges and obstacles I fear to face.
Yet your pictures tell stories, stories of those who’ve fallen, yet rise.
Stories that force us to awaken, open our eyes to our infinite potential,
You view the world as we do not, shining on us through our personal stories,
Observing our route, some of which are short, but all of which are permanent.
These routes are guided by your light, as we fully exist under your glow,
Each one of your stars, directing us to follow our morals,
Take directions from your compass, until we shine and glow freely on our own.