Stella Vespertina

Stella Vespertina

Rex Bradshaw

O Evenstar, the first and kindest light
to glide the quitted cloisters of the Sun,
blest door of dreams and seraph of the night,

your pilgrims comfort when the day is run
with silver beams that shuttle through the pines
and snaring webs our unchaste minds have spun.

O rose unfading, when your chaplet shines
the love that pierced your soul will pierce us too
and from our side draw scarlet-fruiting vines

to fill their cups who never splendor knew
of fireflies at your gasp of flame in flight
where deep the moss in lacy crosses grew.

But let me drink, O bride, the earth and skies
that mingle in the chalice of your eyes.

---

Rex Bradshaw
Teacher & Writer

Rex is an Anglican teacher, writer, husband, and father who has lived in Mississippi since 2016, after two years in the South Caucasus. He has published a scattering of essays and reviews and recently began sharing his literary work beyond his circle of friends.

Photography by Enric Cruz López