My Mother's Memory

John Boyle O'Reilly

1844 to 1890

Poem Image

There is one bright star in heaven 
Ever shining in my night; 
God to me one guide has given, 
Like the sailor's beacon-light, 
Set on every shoal and danger, 
Sending out its warning ray 
To the home-bound weary stranger 
Looking for the land-locked bay. 
In my farthest, wildest wanderings 
I have turned me to that love, 
As a diver, 'neath the water, 
Turns to watch the light above.