To The Astronomer

The Astronomer By: Johannes Vermeer Oil on canvas Location: Louvre, Paris What dost thou see whilst gazing on that globe? What lofty thoughts adorn your mind’s reflection? While seeking threads of nature’s splendid robe To grasp the slightest trace of her perfection. Through endless skies, did you seek God’s abode? And did you live in fear of Coram Deo? Or did you sing that scientific ode Which slaughtered Bruno, vanquished Galileo? What were your joys, your wonders and your fears? What sparked the fires of your cherished passion? Were evenings spent in laughter or in tears? With mirthful friends, or moonlight lone and ashen? Imbued in lunar glow elapsed your night? So through the maze of stars your mind could wander? Or did you weep into the morning light For everything in life that’s ripped asunder. A vagabond were you, or steeped in fame? Did people fear a mind without a border? Was yours a life of lunacy and shame? The starlit night – your only grace and order? Who were you friend? Perhaps some dusty book Contains your life, your love, your works, your reasons, Perhaps someone might even take a look, Or has the void of past engulfed your seasons? Know this, brave mind, your toils were not in vain, You boldly faced the greatest known contender, And rest assured, wherever you have lain, The quest to know this world shall not surrender!

gene16180

My muse can be unseemly and nomadic although she fancies meter and good rhyme, her diligence and output are sporadic, and some may say she’s moving past her prime. At times she’s off consorting with the sages reflecting on existence, as it were, At...

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