The Scarlet Barnard's Loop

The Scarlet Barnard's Loop

How polite the larger planets, 
within their starry grave,
stepping aside for our Earth, 
in compliant retrograde.

How considerate the galaxies,
to leave their nightlights on.
When the day has left us,
and all other light is gone.

How hermit-like the nebula,
to visit us they've no notion.
Lying in their gaseous beds,
moving in Brownian motion

How cute the planetisimals,
growing in their dusty nursery.
So young and infinitesimal,
to be planets, there's no hurry.

How obsessive is the Sun,
planet children kept in check.
Her apron strings keep them close,
where she can see them all on deck.

How conceited is the Moon,
looking on in consternation.
While the planets have their party,
She turns her back on a constellation.

How I wish upon the biggest star,
that my hands could grab and scoop,
and make a ruby necklace for me,
out of the Scarlet Barnard's Loop.

by: Kimarie Manhart-Freeman