DIRECT THE LIGHT Down gaping aperture's surrounding tube COLLECT THE LIGHT On mirror surface marshal all that falls REFLECT THE LIGHT And focus dancing photons to a point PROJECT THE LIGHT Eyepiece enlarging to my waiting eye WHERE CRYSTAL CORNEA And lens of flesh in turn transmit INVERTED ALL RECEIVED Upon my retina's ruddy screen WHERE ENDS THE COSMIC JOURNEY Light began eons ago FROM A DISTANT GALAXY Pale nebula or blazing star OR YEARS PERCHANCE According to the scale of things OR HOURS OR LESS If fresh-reflected from a solar world OR NEIGHBOR MOON A second and a fraction time elapsed THE INGREDIENTS OF AN IMAGE Which by optic nerve PROCEED AT ONCE To nature's highest form and here the brain PRODUCES FROM THE LIGHT PERCEIVED An image magnified SOME SAY A TELESCOPE Transports the heavens down to earth AS SKY IS DRAWN Within the realm of sensory sway WITH WONDERS EYES UNAIDED Barely see or not at all I SAY THE OPPOSITE Is true as well for in my mind THE INSTRUMENT BECOMES A ready vessel light-propelled A STARSHIP BEARING ME Beyond the earth receding fast FAR OUTWARD INTO SPACE Where I enjoy a clearer view WHILE LESSER DISTANCES REMOVED I hover steadily A PRIVILEGED WITNESS To the splendored scene and glory there DISCERN AND STATE Its function as we may this telescope PROUD PRODUCT Of a master craftsman's mind and skillful hand IS OURS TO NAME And dedicate today and this we do IN GRATITUDE FOR WHAT IS GIVEN And in honor of the man THEREFORE WE NOW PRONOUNCE UPON IT Be dedicated now THE MICHAEL S. SPACEK OBSERVATORY TELESCOPE AND HENCEFORTH BE To us a faithful instrument of light OUR MAKER'S FIRST CREATION First to flee from nothingness AND MEANT TO FREE All subsequently blessed with sight FROM VOIDNESS And eternal light to vistas of the day YET FREE TO CHOOSE A star-filled night as we prefer to do CONTENT OBSERVERS Of the light we seek when sun is gone |
No reproduction of this original work may be used without
express consent of Priscilla Prisms, surviving daughter of author.
To My Mother's Rainbow
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