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Lucky stars

Posted by Smokey Stover on February 21, 2004

In Reply to: Lucky stars posted by Henry on February 20, 2004

: : I was wondering if anyone knew the exact meaning and/or origin of the phrase "thank my lucky stars"

: It may be a reference to astrology. Falling stars are also regarded as significant.

: Go and catch a falling star,
: Get with child a mandrake root,
: Tell me where all past years are,
: Or who cleft the devil's foot
: John Donne (1572-1631)

: Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
: Save it for a rainy day
: Words and Music by Lee Pockriss and Paul Vance
: Perry Como original single recording 1957

The quatrain by Donne is one of the most quoted, and not always recognized for what it is. Each of the four lines illustrates something impossible, which is the main conceit of the poem. SS

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