A Sonnet for Halley's Comet
Listen to: A Sonnet for Halley's Comet The passing of a distant ship is brief, A moment's glint of light upon the sea, Perhaps all I learn of her plodding course, Yet you keep lofty station close by me. Your growing splendour heralds your return, With rich displays of pure astronomy. As landsmen slumber idle in their beds, What wealth and beauty you reveal to me. While I behold your passage bright and clear, For weeks upon this ocean's starlit way, And though past perihelion you will fade, Pray, keep me company until that day. For blessed is this mariner and poet, To sail with the vagrant Halley's Comet—the Harbinger of Change.