Vision in Far Infrared
Considering the implications of dust and cold gas, the expanding
universe and cryostats, I climb the stairs and shiver.
Thermal infrared may propagate in a vacuum, but we require
oxygen and warmth. Pillows and a sense of humor help, too.
What will come of the images captured by the Herschel telescope
in the next eon and those following? These maelstroms, blossoming.
I look up from my front porch and see the streetlight’s glare
rather than stars. Yesterday, lizards coupled on my shack’s wall.
Nebulosity in vision, in politics. Look through this eyepiece to find
horseheads and archers, bright flames and clouds. Or nothing.
Red and yellow filaments could indicate newly forming low-mass
stars. The visible is only one component of perception.
Hubble observes in multiple spectra, but not the far infrared.
Even the long-reaching may be overcome by inadequacies.
Do not forget the body’s warmth. Remember black lights and purpose,
the tangible thought. Recall that we exist at rest, ever in motion.
* * *
“Vision in Far Infrared” was drafted during the August 2016 Tupelo Press 30/30 Challenge. I am grateful to Angela for sponsoring the poem and providing the title and these three words: nebulosity, eon, maelstrom.
O at the Edges 
Great piece coupled with coupling lizards. Nice.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Leslie. No modesty in those lizards!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Free lizard love.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was the summer of free (lizard) love…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Damned hippies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, those damned longscales!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What nananoyz said. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Lee. Much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked the topic and content, but I think the style threw me off. The sound and shape of the words was a bit burdensome to pronounce in my head. I’m not saying that it’s bad to use big scientific words–I actually like that. But stringing so many together made the sentences just sound like regular sentences, instead of poetry. Overall I liked it, though. Iambic pentameter and all that.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
An outstanding poem Robert, every line, every word, had me thoughtfully nodding my head in agreement, such a poignant piece of writing, capped off by a superb last line. “Recall that we exist at rest, ever in motion.”
LikeLike
Thank you, Ivor. I just retrieved your comment from my spam folder. Haven’t q clue why it was there, but thought you should know.
LikeLike
I’m happy you found it. I’m finding out myself that I’ve got to check on my spam box more often
LikeLike
I try to check once a week, but sometimes I forget.
LikeLike
I really like your poetry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Your comment means a lot to me.
LikeLike
“Thermal infrared may propagate in a vacuum, but we require
oxygen and warmth. Pillows and a sense of humor help, too.”
I love this, the juxtaposition of science terms and simple humanity. Plus, it made me smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A smile is all I could ask for. Well, maybe a pint of beer… 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person