Cross amidst icon of particle accelerator (CGI)
When we consider the heavens (Psalm 8 v3) there is a permanent invitation to consider the astonishing gift of earth amidst the vastness of space. By early 2012 when this poem was posted, there was a view that most of the billions of stars in our galaxy have at least one planet but at that stage no other planet yet identified has the characteristics to definitely support ‘life as we know it.’ Hopefully, then, we can build a collective wisdom to recognize we are stewards of this amazing planet and that good stewardship carries with it heavy responsibilities. This poem starts in a hay field then widens, into immensity!
Today’s image represents a search of a different sort: that going on in particle accelerators around the world. Those findings, like the wider search of the poem have the capacity to transform our understandings of the universe, so it behoves us to be prepared for mighty change whilst holding firm to our beliefs about our Salvation through Christ
The Searcher
A wisp of hay is moved from left
To right by a cross legged child.
The stook on the left matches her size,
On the right, a fresh mown field.
Her gaze intent, absorbed by the search
For something miniscule,
Her fingers probe, her brow deep-creased,
Her attention held to the full.
Nothing she knows of gravity,
Else her search would be in the field,
For her mother’s diamond, dropped in the mow
A tiny lamented jewel.
In the mighty stack of the Universe,
We will at sometime find
A planet with some form of life,
A jewel of exceptional kind.
Its chemistry may not be ours,
Its physics passing strange:
Its life, primitive or advanced;
Outwith our journeying range.
Thus, even more, this planet of blue,
This precious gem we call earth
Needs many determined to restore it - to health
By attentiveness to its worth
Other poems with a science/ astronomy theme may be found in the Index Here
Other poems with a science/ astronomy theme may be found in the Index Here
