Celestial Deception: A Tanka poem

Even these stars, which seem so numerous, are as sand, as dust – or less than dust – in the enormity of the space in which there is nothing – Carl Sagan

Cocoon nebula
Portending a butterfly
To the naked eye…
Our doors of misperception
A cause for celebration?

The astrophotographer Terry Maurice has kindly given his permission to share the brilliant photo that accompanies this posting.

For more images and commentary on this posting and to learn more about Terry, please click here:

Guelph starman ponders the great unknown via astrophotography – Guelph News

The Cocoon Nebula in Cygnus | Astrophotography, Facts, and More

What is a nebula?

“A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space. Some nebulae… come from the gas and dust thrown out by the explosion of a dying star, such as a supernova. Other nebulae are regions where new stars are beginning to form.”

What Is a Nebula? | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids

What is Tanka poetry?
Tanka poems follow a set of rules. They all have five lines, and each line follows a pattern: the first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, the third line has five syllables, the fourth line has seven syllables, and the fifth line has seven syllables.

Additionally, the third line must transition from the descriptive and image-focused beginning lines (called kami-no-ku) into a reflective metaphor, simile, or personification for the closing lines (shimo-no-ku). The subject matter can vary, but many poets choose a subject that’s emotionally stirring or quietly profound.

Tanka Poetry Defined: 3 Examples of Tanka Poems – 2024 – MasterClass

Graceguts – Tanka and the Five W’s

Your friend,
Robert

Robert McBryde (@robertmcbrydeauthor) • Instagram photos and videos

(24) Robert McBryde | LinkedIn