Do the ever-twinkling stars
Refuse to shine their powerful light;
Too shy to blaze their wondrousness;
Too scared to dazzle us by night?
Does the spotted ladybird
Hide her vivid scarlet back;
Too mindful of her beauty;
Too frightened of attack?
Do crashing, pounding waterfalls
Quieten their mighty roar;
Afraid of their magnificence;
Afraid of awestruck looks they draw?
So as a perfect work of art,
Why hide away your glorious light?
Bewitch us as the butterfly
Whose painted wings enrich our sight!
Hold your head up high and sing,
Blackbird-clear; bold and proud!
Don’t shrink from your perfection. No!
Smile and broadcast it aloud!
Yes! Banish modesty and fear;
High time you twinkled bright and clear.