As Constant As a Northern Star
Feb 18 2007


Joni Mitchell sang
you were as constant as a northern star
in a clear bittersweet voice
already weary with love.
Because even with the best of intentions, gazing up
this star only shines in open skies
on perfect moonless nights
— its place in heaven fixed;
but most of the time
invisible.
And never in daylight.

I observe the constellations
as they wheel predictably across the sky.
But what draws my eye are the dark irregular planets,
an irresistible distraction
wandering erratic against the backdrop of stars.
Like danger, these vagabonds intoxicate me
— Venus’ brooding beauty,
the bloodied Mars.
Or Saturn, with its rings of hard pulverized rock
glittering like a fantastic confection of light.

Love smoulders warmly for years;
as constant as Polaris
so it never truly dies.
But infatuation is fierce;
erupting like supernovae, and leaving black bottomless holes
that suck the universe dry.