avatarJames G Brennan

Summary

The web content is a poetic reflection on celestial bodies, particularly the moon and stars, and the phenomenon of electromagnetic radiation, inspired by a paper poetry prompt.

Abstract

The text is an exploration of celestial beauty through the lens of a paper poetry prompt titled "Refracted Reflections and Wishful Dreams." It describes the moon's changing phases and the way it reflects sunlight, teasing us with Earth's "retroreflection" and revealing itself bit by bit until it reaches a full "backscattering" of electromagnetic radiation. The author reminisces about childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut and experiencing the moon's illumination. The poem also contemplates the intense refraction of starlight as it travels through Earth's atmosphere, emphasizing the resilience of light as it bends but never gives up, until it's disrupted by cloud density. The piece concludes with a note of gratitude to Suntonu Bhadra, Carolyn Hastings, and Melissa Bee for the inspiration behind this celestial meditation.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a sense of wonder and nostalgia for the celestial bodies, particularly the moon and stars.
  • There is an appreciation for the scientific phenomena of retroreflection and backscattering, which are described in poetic terms.
  • The author humorously acknowledges the dizzying effect of contemplating electromagnetic radiation, suggesting it could lead to fainting and a need for medical attention.
  • A deep admiration for the stars' perseverance through refraction is conveyed, highlighting the joy of stargazing.
  • The poem conveys a personal connection to the celestial theme, with the author sharing their childhood dream of being an astronaut.
  • There is a clear sense of gratitude towards the individuals who provided the prompt for this poetic exploration.

POETRY

Celestial

Paper poetry prompt 7 refracted reflections and wishful dreams

Photo by James G. Brennan.

Teasing us with Earths “retroreflection” when all seems dark, our ever-changing moon revealing just a little at a time until a full “backscattering” of electromagnetic radiation Is sent back from where it came.

How I used to “wishfully dream” of being an astronaut standing on your rocky silicate surface bathed in illumination both lush sphere and rocky terrain share, gifted to us by our favourite plasma ball.

If I thought about it too much, I would surely pass out, all this EMR bouncing back and forth around my head is certainly enough to pack me off to an ER room. On a lunar module, of course.

My attention turns to the wonderment of stars.

I look at you above, you are so clear to me your journey across space and time reaches my eyes cutting through Earths atmosphere Without too much resistance, after all, it is known to slow you down.

I look at you straight ahead as you strive to get to me, refraction becomes intense, yet you never give up constantly bending for my joyful observation until density of cloud has its wicked way with you, ruining our unison, you and your shimmering light, me with wonder and admiration.

Thank you, Suntonu Bhadra, Carolyn Hastings Melissa Bee for this paper poetry#7 prompt. “Refracted Reflections” and “Wishful Dreams”

Thank you as always, Suntonu Bhadra for giving my words a platform. 🙏Thank you all for reading and your precious time. Always. J. 🙏✨

Poetry
Pppprompt7
Space
Poetry On Medium
James G Brennan
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