As I strayed from my cot at the close of the day, <br />I turned my fond gaze to the sky; <br />I beheld all the stars as so sweetly they lay, <br />And but one fixed my heart or my eye. <br />Shine on, northern star, thou’rt beautiful and bright <br />To the slave on his journey afar; <br />For he speeds from his foes in the darkness of night, <br />Guided on by thy light, freedom’s star. <br /> <br /> <br />On thee he depends when he threads the dark woods <br />Ere the bloodhounds have hunted him back; <br />Thou leadest him on over mountains and floods, <br />With thy beams shining full on his track. <br />Shine on, &c. <br /> <br /> <br />Unwelcome to him is the bright orb of day, <br />As it glides o’er the earth and the sea; <br />He seeks then to hide like a wild beast of prey, <br />But with hope, rests his heart upon thee. <br />Shine on, &c. <br /> <br /> <br />May never a cloud overshadow thy face, <br />While the slave flies before his pursuer; <br />Gleam steadily on to the end of his race, <br />Till his body and soul are secure. <br />Shine on, &c.<br /><br />Anonymous Americas<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/freedom-s-star/
