Death of NGC 2440
although you are distant
distant
distant
I can see by your last aura
against a black further distance,
the most distant distance…
I can see by your billowing
halo of expanding gasses
fluffed like god’s pillow
that you are ruled by laws
that also rule terrestrial things
I see the colors of your vast radiant shedding
and realize the force behind that shedding
is a predicate for everything
that’s blown apart, comes apart
falls apart, dissipates, uncomplicates,
is broken down, pulled down
……….. undone
it’s hard to wrap your mind around
the truth that this is where all things
—every brilliance built and done,
fought and won— are heading
except in tiny human scope
which mounts a natal
counterforce of hope
Jim Culleny
11/13/16
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