Galaxy or Smudge?

How can we determine things of note, 
when they're up close, when they're remote?
Relative scales might equate
something small with something great.
Discerning eyes can't always judge
a galaxy from a smudge.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Sharma  Avatar
August 10, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Oh how powerful this is! And presents a very fresh perspective, yes, things that are small yet wondrous! We can't always judge their strength or greatness by just an outer look.. love the way you've woven your thoughts here, so profound "Discerning eyes can't always judge a galaxy from a smudge" absolutely impactful! Pleasure reading your words always, dear David.. sending you light and best wishes ~ 💫💫⭐⭐
Crandall Avatar
August 11, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Thanks, Hiya, glad you enjoyed - back when I was a kid (late 60s/early 70s?, they had a half hour TV cartoon based on a Dr. Seuss book called Horton Hears a Who. I think that may have been on the back of my mind, because it pops into my head.
Wolf Avatar
August 10, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Hey there, Galileo: This is spot-on. Especially when I, the Great Pretender, am determining. ~ gw
Crandall Avatar
August 11, 2026 at 6:38 AM
Haha, I can imagine pointing my telescope in the sky and seeing The Great Gershon Galaxy!
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Interesting in many ways. I think of a smudge on a telescope lens…a planet, I think not. Still, God sees the smallest offering when given with faith and a smile over a grand gesture from a stingy rich man.
Crandall Avatar
August 11, 2026 at 6:37 AM
Actually, even though I couldn't wrap the words around whatever I was thinking as well as I would have liked, I'm glad you got something of what I think I was going for - a double meaning - on the surface galaxy/smudge on photo vs. something deeper - how close something is personally, how things are relative, and even something profound, similar to what you said. Maybe, it's better vague, like I made it, or maybe I should go back, or maybe I'm overthinking it - lol.
Crandall Avatar
August 10, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Thanks, Kim! You know after I wrote this I realized that I hadn't remembered what had popped into my head correctly. I had "small and great", and I was going to rhyme it with "photographic plate", and then I forgot and put "relative scales might equate". I feel like there's a good idea in there, but I might try to go back and rework it.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace