1. Born into a planet’s orbit, stillness

is a thing we never know. At best

we match the world’s commotion.

2. Galileo climbs the steps at Pisa

with a ball of wood and a ball

of lead. His every breath is heavy.

3. Astronauts in orbit sleep with arms

outstretched and raised, as if

something lies beyond their reach.

4. Columbus waits in the Sargasso Sea.

He has never known longing

like now longs for a breeze.

5. After the tide, chunks of driftwood

litter the beach. The ocean is out,

like a dog, to fetch more sticks.

6. Fearing his equations lack beauty,

Copernicus walks the coming dawn.

The sky, like a bowl, fills with gold.

7. A moth gives no thought to the girth

of the world. By the moon, it guides

its wings. By the sun, it sleeps.