We could search the sky
with the naked eye
or the ocean bed
but, when all is said,
there’s enough dark
matter in a symphony,
a masterpiece of art,
prose or poetry.
What the eye can’t see
in heaven or below the sea,
is hidden deep
in our hearts and souls.
Why do we feel the need
to explore black holes
(or alcohol in dark bars)
for the dimmest stars?
Kim M. Russell, 4th January 2024
This is my poem for Open Link Night at the dVerse Poets Pub, where Grace is hosting and giving us the option of a prompt: to use the poem ‘Let There Always Be Light’ by Rebecca Elson as title or part of our poems.
As I wrote my poem, I had the Neil Young album American Stars and Bars on my mind, and I got hooked on an old favourite, ’Like a Hurricane’.
We seek darkness… maybe too many are blinded by the brightness and turn to the shadows.
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I think that’s true, Björn.
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I would think some are really curious about it. I love this part Kim:
there’s enough dark
matter in a symphony,
a masterpiece of art,
prose or poetry.
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Thank you, Grace.
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The poem incites the urge for more, for beyond the contraints of “known matter” and I suppose a longing to break free of ourselves and spill into “unknowns” like black holes and the deep within us…it’s an evocative piece.
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Thank you for reading and commenting Rafia.
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Loved your poem Kim. Humankind can be a bit dim at times! I know I am!
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Smiles!
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Easy enough to jump on the dark stream… Love that Uncle Neil tune.
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Thanks Lisa.
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You’re welcome!
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I think looking for something is all some people can do.
I especially like this stanza, Kim:
“What the eye can’t see
in heaven or below the sea,
is hidden deep
in our hearts and souls.”
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Makes me think of the U2 song, ‘I still haven’t found what I’m looking for’. More often than not it’s right under our noses,
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That’s true!
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So much darkness in our world, your poem honestly/beautifully reflects it … the last stanza stopped me in my tracks, I read it several times.
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Thanks so much, Helen!
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Some might say it is the allure of the unknown, but I think your poem captures the opposite and less talked about; the comfort that we often , as a side-effect, get to find in the darkness. Very poignant writing!
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Thank you!
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We are always hiding from what we cannot see. (K)
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We are, Kerfe.
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I do love your thoughts here. We are always chasing the elusive it seems.
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That is so true, Dwight.
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Great poem, Kim. I enjoyed it v much!
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Thank you, Jay!
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I like this one, Kim! Good questions. What will we do with dark matter when we find a piece we can ‘own’? We seem to be drawn to the dark mysteries far more than the bright ones.
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I agree, Jane.
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Kim, your poem “Searching for Dark Matter” cleverly explores the profound sources of dark matter within our lives, from symphonies to our hearts. The comparison is rich, and the ending adds a touch of humor. A beautifully crafted piece! 🌌🎶📜
~David
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Thank you kindly, David!
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I really like the last two stanzas a lot!❤️🙏🏻
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Thank you, Melissa!❤
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“…is hidden deep in our hearts and souls” is so profound. Dark matter or light, it’s all in there. I like the way you framed the question.
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Thank you, Kim!
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Love the rhythm and rhyme in this one Kim, particularly that last verse !(I too am a big fan of Neil, by the way). JIM
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Thank you, Jim!
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If the heart alone could sing, this is what it would sound like! A beautiful heart-song, Kim.
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Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Dora!
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loved this
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Cheers Rog!
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