somebody sent me
as if by chance
but not
an image
from a distant galaxy
swirling blue and indigo
white and pink
its beauty of formation
far beyond
a human hand
despite ourselves
restricted as we are
by intellect, pride and lifespan
it cast me back to childhood
and many deep dark
winter nights
watching for shooting stars
longing to be somewhere in Orion
or up amidst the Seven Sisters
seeking the Garnet Star
it cast my mind forward
to what might lie ahead
for ageing star-gazers like me

now
as I hold onto
the two elder trees
intertwined as lovers
on a crisp deep dark
November night
I care not
I simply give thanks
for being still able
to see
to think
to love
and wonder
at the magical
madness and wonder
of it all

11/12/2013