Two interacting galaxies fifty
million light years away from our species,
these blazing blue-white spheres searing night sky
could pass for eyes in Shen Chou’s art studies
of cats’ faces. Irises glow sky-blue,
pupils white-hot as if daring earthlings
to approach this feline with X-ray view.
If, lying awake, your skin feels something
watching you, know you’re not alone. Just last
century, Markarian spied this fire,
ancient as quasars, centering our vast
Virgo Galaxy Cluster. Be inspired.
Believe this heavenly sentry guards you
from each evil earth rat, its claw and chew.
Roger Armbrust
April 25, 2008
