"Life is the dancer and you are the dance."
Eckhart Tolle

Friday, March 11, 2011

"Look to the Sky" big tent poetry #44-science

Orion has captured flight in three dimensions,
come closer … you can see him praying on his knees.
He has fed himself with Cygnus served on a silver platter
in the great dining hall of Taurus.

Through a lens observe Boötes chase hunting dogs,
as Aquila flies beside Aries searching for 
the Sea Goat that sleeps on mountainsides
in the shade of day.

Cassiopeia fills everyone’s glass to the brim with ruby liquid,
her pitchfork existence held by prongs placed on
the Altar of the Lizard, who weighs the scales between
life and death of the Southern Cross.
Still she portrays herself as a victim,
Cepheus will no longer drink from her Cup.

Perseus saddles Pegasus to find the Caelum
stolen by the Phoenix on a cold winter’s night.
Sagittarius dons the Bird of Paradise in his wavy hair to
come forward and give a detailed description of the theft.

Andromeda holds court in fairness with Lupus as counsel,
while Hercules guards the threshold from interruptions,
the Peacock spreads its coverts, like a fan keeping vigil.

All of this can be witnessed on an autumn night,
but you must pay close attention …


52 comments:

  1. A great trip around the stars.

    My first time at Big Tent so I'm being moderated. You'll find mine here.

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  2. I will pay attention;that's a promise! Lovely poetic astronomy.

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  3. This one rocks, Pamela! I love the galactic tour you've provided. Bravo! Casseopeia's liquid entices me. We need a good Casseopeia Punch recipe. :-) ~Brenda

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  4. This feels like it should be illustrated and expanded. What a gorgeous small book it would make.

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  5. This makes me want to lay on my back, stare up at a clear, starry night, and learn more about the constellations! I agree with Brenda...a galactic tour! And with Kim...expanded! I want to hear more!

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  6. I wish I could see what others see. I just see stars.

    I loved the imagery in your poem. : )

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  7. Thanks for sharing this dramatic epic in the stars.

    ~laurie

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  8. Makes me want to drag out the telescope and star gaze. If only the husband can figure it out. We still good viewing here in Palm Desert. Nicely narrated, Pamela.

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  9. autumn sky is beautiful and full of imagery.
    unbeatable take.
    cheers.

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  10. Wow, this is pure poetry-as is the night sky. You are quite knowledgeable about the constellations!

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  11. Anthony, it is so nice to have you over at the big tent:)

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  12. You should, Viv, though, I doubt you'll see
    any of this:)

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  13. Thanks, Brenda, maybe we should ask her for the recipe:) Nice to see at the big tent:)

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  14. How very nice of you to say, Kim.
    Thanks.

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  15. Thanks, Jeanne, I may expound on it in the future.
    I certainly did enjoy writing it.

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  16. It is quite dramatic, Laurie, ha ha ha!

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  17. Great viewing in Mexico, especially in the desolate areas. Thanks.

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  18. I am not that knowledgeable, but I do remember
    many things from Greek mythology, though, this
    is completely made up. Thanks.

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  19. Great galactic tour de force...well done. Vb

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  20. Love it Pamela and agree on the ideas of expansion and an illustrated book. I know some mythology but you outdid yourself here. I envy those who know the constllations.

    Elizabeth

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  21. Looks like we were on the same wavelength this week. You know I'm a fan of astronomy. ;) I like the ways you gave them each such unique personalities.

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  22. Elizabeth,
    astronomy is fascinating and I love mythology,
    so when this prompt came along,I knew what I wanted to write about.I loved science in school. I am certainly no expert on the constellations, though.I actually went to university for the first two years for medical and changed my vocation for a BFA.

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  23. Joseph, I noticed that when I read your poem;)
    I thought I would give them personalities.
    I liked writing to this prompt.
    I have always loved the name of your blog,
    quite unique.

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  24. I like the interaction between all of the constellations -clever.

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  25. Thanks Donna, if only they could talk;)

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  26. You did a brilliant job fitting the constellations into the poem. Not an easy task

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  27. Cassiopeia fills everyone's glass to the brim with ruby liquid . . . that is an incredible line! I love what you did with this prompt. Dramatic and dreamy and inspiring me to pay attention to the night sky. You have imagined what we might miss.

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  28. Wow, you know all the names! Lovely poem, full of intriguing legend. So well done!

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  29. This is just astonishing! You make me want to read this again and then print it out and put it on my bulletin board. And then go out tonight and look through the telescope. Thanks!

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  30. Absolutely delightful poem, Pamela. The sky is lit up!

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  31. A wonderful well-loved journey - you've made this magical and mystical beyond pen and ink!

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  32. Yes, nan, completely my imagination.

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  33. Thanks for the great prompt, Deb:)

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  34. Wow. How beautiful! Starry nights that are brought alive with ancient myth. Loved this poem, Pamela. Thanks for the delight...

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  35. It's a long way from Cassiopeia to the Southern Cross. I'm stuck here on the Northern Hemisphere, and while I can name most of the northern constellations, I have never had the opportunity to view the Southern Cross. Someday . . . someday.

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  36. Thanks, Brenda, I enjoyed writing this.

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  37. Well, Patrick, yes, possibly one day:)

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  38. Wow. I don't know the astrology well enough to know the nuances and history but I just love this. The last lines say so much. So much can be seen if we are open to it.

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  39. Yes, Judy that is so very true. Thanks:)

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  40. Gorgeous, Pamela! Good job paying close attention!

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  41. Thanks, Erin, I just loved your poem, too.

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