A Child, Wondering
Tell me, please--I need to know--
What lies outside the universe?
And what outside of that?
Where is the end of everything?
And afterward--what then?
You say the world whirls around
Like a top: Then why aren't we all dizzy?
Who started it going, and when will it stop?
And where, up there, is little sister?
Is she shining like a star?
(Why does mamma turn away and cry a little,
Though springtime birds and singing--
And flowers all around?)