Background Image: Carina Nebula image taken by HAWK-I camera on ESO’s Very Large Telescope
Credit: © ESO/T. Preibisch – Source
When my inward eye fancies
an escapist extravaganza,
I picture myself as a little alien
visiting a cosmic Ginza.
In my utilitarian spacecraft,
full throttle to a hypergiant star,
I drive and drive, so careless
of space and time afar.
I stop a while for a glance,
atop the highest Cosmic Cliffs,
gazing all around at the galaxy,
soaking in glowing sidereal whiffs.
I peep into the dark Keyhole,
but through the dust, all I see
is the grand Defiant Finger
mocking, making fun of me.
Tuned to my favourite Astro-Radio,
to Mystic Mountain, I head my ship.
I, of course, take pictures for content,
let down—never!—by a good old nebula trip.
Cosmic & Uneasy 