Last spring, I studied Emily Dickinson in-depth at Columbia College Chicago (thanks to Dr. Karen Osbourne for that wonderful experience). I focused mainly on Dickinson’s interest in science.
In this context, I watched Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos,” and found amazing similarities between Sagan’s and Dickinson’s appreciation of the scientific beauty in nature. I began to take down quotes that struck me as particularly Dickinson-esque, and transcribed them in her style.
Today is Carl Sagan day, so I’ve arranged a few of his words in a way that echoes Dickinson.
Our ordinary measures of Distance – fail us.
The cosmos is full – beyond measure -
Of elegant Truths -
And exquisite interrelationships.
Music of cosmic Harmonies -
Perfect – as a snowflake -
Organic – as a dandelion seed -
It will carry us to worlds of Dreams
And worlds of Facts.
The Surface of the Earth
Is the Shore of the cosmic Ocean -
Ankle-deep – and the Water seems inviting.
This is where we came from -
and we long to return.
We’re Made – of Star-stuff.
We are a way for the Cosmos
To know itself.
We float – like a Mote of Dust -
In the morning Sky.
Our ordinary Measures
Of Distance – fail us -
Here in the Realm of the Galaxy.
Galaxies are born, they live – and die -
A tumultuous Adolescence -
Their cores may explode,
Seen in radiographs.
Great jets of energy – Echo
Across the cosmos.
In the Pegasus cluster – there’s a Ring -
A splash – in the cosmic Pond.
A swarm of Bees – bound by gravity -
Every bee – a sun,
its Spiral arms – slowly turning.
Worlds of ice – and stars of Diamond,
Atoms – as massive as Suns -
Universes – Smaller than Atoms -
Lovely!
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