A dead star that inspired this poem--the companion of the star 55 Cancri, in the constellation of Cancer the Crab--has now shrunk to only about twice the size of earth yet is extraordinarily massive, leading astronomers to conclude that its surface and outer crust consist entirely of diamond.
In slumber now and thence to dream
of space-time’s stirred and curving sweep,
where stellar furies set agleam
the velvet thrall of endless deep.
Here among a billion suns,
solo Klieg cued nascent spark.
Ensuing life o'er an eon runs
ere treading path of torpid dark.
Adorned in crystal, its bequest—
fusion’s fire did else abate—
bejeweled then, this orb compressed,
now fields of diamonds lie and wait.
Yet perish need to search the endless skies—
diamonds sparkle here in lovely eyes.
The Stars
It sings "twinkle twinkle little star" over and over again as it flickers on and off like a lightbulb.
I look up and see the stars.
They aren't stars but suns.
I close my eyes and I see Cancer the crab scooting over to say hi to Gemini.
As they chatter on about their neighbors Hercules wonders over to the hydra and slays him again.
Leo the lion stands waiting for Orion to mount and ride off to go on a hunt to find Scorpius.
Then Perseus on the Pegasus and Sagittarius riding the Phoenix fly away to go find the Sculptors home.
The Taurus himself ran from Orion many times but was caught in the end.
I blink and wonder what I just saw.
I don't dismiss it has a dream.
Why?
As I walk away I take one look back up and see Orion on Leo waving at me
Cancer and Gemini continue their dispute and the others continue their business.
These stars have something to hold in them.
Worth more then gold and silver combined.
They hold memories and possibilities.
Something we here at home can't give.
This is the story they told me.
I want to dance with a star, and just be let free,
Float above Orion's Belt, so no drama can reach me,
Take a swim in the Big Dipper, and just feel relaxed,
Hug the Great Bear, so i won't feel life's attacks,
Ride on Leo the lion, and let the air brush against my skin,
Breeze through my hair, having fun with Virgo, the Virgin,
Sit on Libra's scale, and let it balance me with a weight of gold,
Get bitten by Scorpius, and let all the happiness unfold,
Ride on a Sagittarius, as the centaur let me borrow his bow,
Take a trip with Capricorn, and let it take me wherever it go,
I want to dive with Aquarius, and swim alongside with Pisces,
Meet up with the twins Gemini, at least they truly like me,
Walk with Cancer the crab, to a galaxy that's super far,
Engrave this on my headstone, "Died happily, dancing with the stars."
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