A star was born the day I closed my eyes and dared to believe–

believed my life was more than I could see

believed I’m loved

believed I’m free.

My star grew every time I possessed the courage to stand–

stand for what is right

stand for what is true

stand up for me.

Took a while but I discovered

I got a right to live

and a right to liberty

but nothing’s free in this life, not even to be.

Despite the cost I pay the toll

even when the rates go up

and the currency is my soul.

Dreams don’t do layaways

can’t give part,

must submit my whole.

So I reach for the star—

the one I made when I believed

the one that grew when I stood

and while I’m reaching for my star, eyes full of its light,

my star is reaching for me.

© D.L. Lunsford