One by one, like leaves from a tree
All my faiths have forsaken me;
But the stars above my head
Burn in white and delicate red,

And beneath my feet the earth
Brings the sturdy grass to birth.
I who was content to be
But a silken-singing tree,

But a rustle of delight
In the wistful heart of night—
I have lost the leaves that knew
Touch of rain and weight of dew.

Blinded by a leafy crown
I looked neither up nor down—
But the little leaves that die
Have left me room to see the sky;

Now for the first time I know
Stars above and earth below.