An original poem.
we see it first from afar
the shadow on Saturn
sliding across smooth rings
a glimpse
of a puck on ice
eyes and telescopes
peer, strain, squint, probe
to bring the Distant
close as thought
on every screen
the explainers
dispel the mystery
no, it can’t be natural
the shape is too regular
too perfect, and Nature
works in fractals
it must know we’re here
it’s changing velocity
slowing down
to enter our orbit
billions and billions
wait, watch, wonder,
remember what happens
when worlds collide
we come in peace
from a watchful galaxy
to end poverty and war
and invite you to join us, or
take me to your leader,
and one misunderstanding
one wrong gesture
seals our doom, or
the fate of your
planet is at stake
change your ways
or face obliteration
many futures
many stories
anticipate the Arrival
there’s a Starman
waiting in the sky, or
in space, no one
can hear you scream
either way, some kind
of Second Coming —
repent, the end is near
they will see our satellites,
say the explainers,
and our space station
is the obvious place
to meet us
boarded-up windows
and no milk in the stores
as this hurricane
draws nigh
silent astronauts
hold their breath
and wait
for a knock
that never comes
as they fly right past
keep moving along
nothing to see here
Thoughts of Rob 