Cosmic Forgetfulness

Did you know that I love outer space? I've been slowly reading Death by Black Hole, by, Neil DeGrasse Tyson...mostly because black holes are my favorite! But the book covers a myriad of cosmic topics taken from Tyson's monthly "Universe" essays in Natural History Magazine. I can only legitimately recommend the first half of the book because I've only read the first half. I tend to read fiction and non-fiction at the same time...and fiction usually takes precedence. But...when I do pick this one up...I transform into the nerdiest kind of nerd.

On my way to work this morning, my fascination with the moon was rekindled when I noticed it looking pale and innocent opposite the sun. What came of this moment was some subsequent mind blowing...and this little poem:

Cosmic Forgetfulness

For crying out loud.
There's a moon!

It poses in the same sky,
an accessory to the source this morning,
hoping to be of use
but not really needed by the same sun
that never really rises or sets
on both sides of this place we thought
was the center of the universe.

But this moon is a thread;
common and habitual,
smaller, but closer.
Always face-first, keeping a watchful eye;
predictable, or so it seems.
Not unwanted, but allowed, rather,
to offer itself up aesthetically
for a few more hours of the morning,
maybe flattering the sun...the whole time.

© Becky Jean Williams