Southern Cross

Perhaps one more poem about some special stars. We’ve already established that I love to gaze up at the heavens, and often find some meaning there. I have a long relationship with Polaris, the North Star, which features prominently in the sky … and in my thoughts. In the northern hemisphere it’s the pole star, remaining roughly in the same position while the Big Dipper, Cassiopeia and the rest of the constellations dance slowly around it. For this reason, it’s been a friend to navigators for thousands of years. And it just happens to be the first thing I see when I walk out my front door in the evening, a reliable companion in a seemingly ever-changing world.

When we began traveling to visit our daughter’s family in New Zealand some years ago we had to leave the North Star behind because it’s only visible from the northern hemisphere. Yet we were also introduced to the Southern Cross, which is only visible in the southern hemisphere and features prominently in the culture there. It even graces the flag of New Zealand. I Immediately struck up a friendship with this new constellation, and as a sailor and navigator it had a particular meaning for me as well. Throughout my life I’d frequently relied upon the North Star to find my way or get my bearings. However, it was clear that I needed to point my daughter towards the appropriate celestial companion to take her own bearings on. She has her own family and her own life, and her own broad expanse of sky … and she needed different stars to point the way to her chosen home.

Back here in north America, with Polaris looking over my shoulder, I’m unable to view the Southern Cross. Yet, I know where to find it. Broad oceans may separate us, but the Southern Cross is etched indelibly upon my heart and I know it’s watching over those whom I hold so dear.

Southern Cross

As I walk out of my front door

Each night I’m greeted by

My old friend, the North Star

Hanging ever in the sky

But down under it is different

My North Star is out of view

So I must trust the Southern Cross

To keep watch each night on you

You can find it in the south

To the left of your driveway

And it can be a beacon for you

When you lose the light of day

Even though the Southern Cross

Dwells below where I can see

It will always be there for you

And I hope you’ll think of me

Our horizons may be different

And six thousand miles and more

Of empty blue Pacific

May separate our shores

But you are always on my mind

And we won’t feel far apart

If you look up at the Southern Cross

And know I hold you in my heart

             By Frank Carpenter ©