Inexpressible cosmic beauty…and empty space

The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. – Carl Sagan

Inexpressible cosmic beauty…and empty space: A Tanka poem

A flash of wonder,

Andromeda, galactic,

Colours so divine.

Spectacular illusion:

Artifice fills empty space.

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.

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tanka-poem-defined-plus-examples

https://www.graceguts.com/essays/tanka-and-the-five-ws

The astrophotographer Terry Maurice has kindly given his permission to post the brilliant photo that accompanies this post:

https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/guelph-starman-ponders-the-great-unknown-via-astrophotography-5584722

Below are a couple of links concerning the Andromeda galaxy, which is about twice the size of the Milky Way with roughly one trillion stars. Andromeda is the nearest spiral galaxy to our own and is the brightest external galaxy visible in our night sky. And, at 2.5 million light-years, it’s the most distant thing we humans can see with the unaided eye.

For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love – Carl Sagan

https://earthsky.org/clusters-nebulae-galaxies/andromeda-galaxy-closest-spiral-to-milky-way/