"No one alive will see this again"

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bsquirrel

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-01-03

Posts 7855

0 posted 2003-07-30 02:11 PM

Due to unique orbits,
Mars will closely pass our Earth --
the first time in 5,000 years.

I cannot contain it.
What does that number define?
How many millennia border?

Before Socrates took hemlock?
Before Pompeii, black and burning?
Surely not the pyramids.

I will not find out.
It is good to wonder, wander
within catacombs.

No one worries now
on the dry cold mornings
in line for a crust of bread.

No one stops to feel
the taste of divine sleep
within ancient cups.

It's all sedated knowledge,
full on text and diagrams
without insight's promise.

That will keep me cruel in August
as I train my telescope
upon brightened orbs.

Janet Marie
Member Laureate

since 2000-01-22

Posts 18554

1 posted 2003-07-30 04:20 PM

That will keep me cruel in August
==============================

I dont know about cruel..but I know you write oh so very cool

I will not find out.
It is good to wonder, wander
within catacombs.
~~
No one stops to feel
the taste of divine sleep
within ancient cups.

see what i mean

"How could I stand here with you and not be moved by you."

LH

Marshalzu

Member Elite

since 2001-02-15

Posts 2681
Lurking

2 posted 2003-07-30 04:54 PM

Delightful reading Mikey, thanks for sharing this with us

Andy

Allysa

Senior Member

since 1999-11-09

Posts 1952
In an upside-down garden

3 posted 2003-07-30 10:25 PM

Wonderous.

Local Parasite

Member Elite

since 2001-11-05

Posts 2527
Transylconia, Winnipeg

4 posted 2003-08-08 02:41 PM

You're right. We're far too advanced to fully appreciate something like Mars passing closely by the Earth, because it's something we calculate precisely with our science. It's nothing to wonder at, it's been ruined and fed to us as plain fact.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way... thanks for the write, Mike.

Parasite

Faith is a fine invention
When gentlemen can see
But microscopes are prudent
In an emergency.
~~~Emily Dickinson

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

5 posted 2003-08-08 03:02 PM

It's not ruined for me...it's a once in a life time experience, and I'm going to enjoy wandering ITS catacombs...

but an excellent write. We've missed you, Mikey!

bsquirrel

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-01-03

Posts 7855

6 posted 2003-08-09 03:04 PM

Thanks. This poem was inspired by a nerdy co-worker sending out a message to everyone at the office talking about the astronomical phenomenon, then, quite excitedly, ended with NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN.

So that struck me as strange wording. I edited it into the title, then pondered what history really means, and how much we can really understand.

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