Doggerel time

Kath Beattie, of Wakari, has written this poem, ‘‘dedicated to [Otago Museum director and astronomer] Ian Griffin, whose column I enjoy immensely’’.

Illiterate StarGazer

I’ve tried so hard to name the stars to know the planets — Saturn, Mars and all the others glowing bright above me in the dark of night.

But no matter how I study, read the constellations fast recede and next time that I glance out the stars have moved themselves about. I’m sure that is the Cross I frown but holy smoke it’s upside down. My trusty Skywatch gives the clue

‘that’s what stars are prone to do’.

I know Orion fairly well and am used to supergiant Betelgeuse

But why is there a large false Crux to cause me extra nightmare flux.

Both hemispheres claim Sirius is the brightest light that we can squiz with naked eye and even though I know it rides Orion’s belt I mistake the glow of Venus for it — but surely she’s at dawn or is it sunset? See how I’m confused, torn.

At least the moon is viewed by all who gaze worldwide, in her same silvery phase Even I can identify the Milky Way an arch of the galaxy on heavenly display But where’s the Jewel Box, Coal Sack large holes that are bottomless black, nebulae, clusters, spirals, Alpha Centauri each with a magical cultural story.

Far too much for my peasized brain It must be time for bed again.

But while I sleep those sneaky stars creep this way and that across the skies toing and froing each month or two No wonder I don’t know just who is who Then I promise myself that I will go and take lessons that will help me know about infinity and those mysterious lights that puzzle me so on neckcraning nights.

Bravo Kath! I reckon that’s fantastic. Not easy to rhyme ‘‘Betelgeuse’’ and ‘‘Alpha Centauri’’.

Any others out there?