Theoretically

We harvested the fruits of muddy shores,
watched millions of diamond sparkles
on the crests of ocean waves before
we turned our eyes to space. It startled
us and left us wanting to know more
about what lies beyond the darkness,
titillated and tempted to explore.

Still we must overcome hurdles
while our feet are rooted in Earth’s floor,
thankful that our world’s not starless
and the universe too beautiful to ignore.

Kim M. Russell, 7th May 2019

Image result for paintings and artwork staring at the ocean and into space
Image found on Pinterest

My response to dVerse Poets Pub Poetics Poetics: Theories of Everything and Anything, Poetry and Science, also linked to Imaginary Garden with Real Toads Tuesday Platform

Merril tells us that she was fascinated by the recent photo of a black hole and says that there is a long history of poetry that contemplates both the world around us and the universe. She has shared a link to a Brainpickings post, in which Maria Popova mentions several recent poems about space. In particular, she focuses on astronomer-poet Rebecca Elson, who died at age thirty- nine, and her poem ‘Theories of Everything’.

For this poetics prompt, Merril would like us to write poems about theory or theories: how we make sense of the natural world, our bodies, space, or whatever. 

64 thoughts on “Theoretically”

    1. Our planet is in such a state, I think we have to do something about it before going further into space. The universe has given us plenty of science to solve our problems.

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  8. Love this. We are rooted in mud but it doesn’t keep us from gazing skyward. The last two lines are beyond beautiful, that our universe is so vast and fascinating and utterly beautiful.

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    1. That is so true, Jane. While some of are are entranced by stars and daisies, the people who want to invade the stars and pick the daisies are the ones who dump their rubbish into the sea.

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  14. I liked reading your poem, Kim. The clever rhyme also adds to the reading.

    While our feet are rooted here in mud
    Astronauts are flying into space
    Outer space where mud is yet come
    We’ll work hard to buy some more space suites

    I worked with NASA Houston, Flight Control, for 14 years and three years establishing a U.S. Air Force Satellite Tracking Station in New Hampshire. I still like to read of the space exploration work and items when the supporters write. Thank you, you did really good with this. Oh yes, I wrote a tongue in cheek ditty about the M87 Black Hole for Day 11 of NaPoWriMo.
    ..

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  15. I love the spirit of wonder that exists here, despite the honest acknowledgement that humanity still has a lot of maturing to do.

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    1. Thank you, Rommy. As they say, charity begins at home and Earth is such a mess these days. I just hope that no ‘bright spark’ thinks about ejecting our plastic rubbish into space.

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  24. Your poem makes me think of how I am always baffled by some people get so excited about the rings of Jupiter, but don’t get just as thrilled by the shape of a cloud above their heads. How far does something have to be for all to see its wonder? How close and “common” to lose value? We’ve made such a mess of what we have, that when I see humanity looking at the stars, I tremble… at the thought of what they will be turned into.

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    1. Thank you, Magaly. I agree with everything you say. I’m concerned at how blinkered many people are, especially at the state of our oceans and the dwindling species on this planet. Nature will teach us a lesson eventually; like every mother, she can be patient for only so long.

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  27. Ah…we dig in the earth’s dirt, heads down…..sail the seas, eyes looking outward….and yet the beauty of the stars is what is mystically beautiful to us! Love this write.

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