Far away and above are stars,

On the other side of the earth is day.

East of the blue Great Lakes ten million people

Light their lights to drive the dark away.

"To-day", said a list in the evening paper,

Thirty died," strange names I had never heard.

Across the street lives a tall young teacher;

Between us never has passed a word.

A neighbor, and death - ten million people

Under the quiet stars in the sky.

Here in a bright hot room are listeners,

Here talking and talking, am I.