The stars are very beautiful above my clan's camp walls
They shine with equal splendor still above far humbler calls
I watch them from my den, but their bright, entrancing glow
Reminds me of the life that I gave up so long ago
The nine lives from starclan rest lightly in my heart
I once thought only of the ways these nine lives from me would part
But once I took the nine lives to which my duty had gained some weight
I found it heavy on the heart, though heavier upon my fate
Although I am the Leader of my clan, in truth I am the kit
The true Leader knows her cats fed, before her clan is fit
The good Leader knows her cats safe, before she takes her rest
Thinks twice and thrice and yet again, before she makes request
For they are all my family, all that I swore to defend
It is my duty to become both Leader and trusted friend—
And of my family high and low, from beggar to above
The dearest are my Warriors, who return my care with love
The dearest are my Warriors, swift to spring to my command
Who give me aid and fellowship, who always understand
That land and cats first have needs that I may not deny—
So I must send my dearest friends to danger—and to die
A friend, a love, a child—it matters not. I know indeed
That I must sacrifice them all if there should be the need
They know, and they forgive me—doing more than I require
With willing minds and loving hearts go straight to grasp the fire
These tears that burn my eyes are all the tears the Leader can't shed
The tears I weep in silence as I mourn my Warriors dead
O cats that dwell in the stars, if you can hear my cry—
And if you have compassion—let me send no more to die!