Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Starwatching at Your Own Risk - A Poem by Trish Saunders - Dive into the Depths of Contemporary Voices

Starwatching at Your Own Risk – A Poem by Trish Saunders

For years afterward, the children would remember
their visit to the planetarium with great fear. They were
enthralled by streams of stars stretching across a
vast dome of sky. Only the brochure frightened them.

“Welcome to Mauna Kea Observatory on the Island of Hawaii.
You have never before stood so close to the stars.
Throughout the night, telescopes will be pointed at
various objects in the sky. You may see nebulae, clusters,
comets. You may feel lightheaded, short of breath.
Be sure to dress warmly. Do not drink alcohol or overeat.
If you are recovering from a doomed love affair; if you
are pregnant or trying to be; if you are prone to fits of
ecstasy or delusions that you can fly; if you’ve been diagnosed
as irrational, flighty, or strange; if people call you bi-polar,
please think twice before proceeding further.

“If your children are under age 11, please delay their
visit until they reach puberty. You may visit the snack bar
and gift shop in the lobby.”

“If you wish to climb to the summit, do so at your own risk.
Mahalo and enjoy your visit!”

“That’s bull,” said the father. “Walk right up, children. Up to
the stars.”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Best Poetry Online