I Am Missing the Comet

A comet is visiting our sun.

It is announced in the west, close to the waning moon, but

I have missed  it last night and night before.

Maybe tonight.

Maybe tonight through binoculars

I shall see the comet faint but visible in the west--

Strange, alien.

I have no sharp regret about missing the comet.

It’s light, like the sun’s light, is old light,

Having passed through miles and miles

Of indifferent cold space. 

If I do see the comet’s light,

It will be old light flashed long ago, but

I will suffice to force me to ponder anew
    How small I am, and

How various and beautiful all creation is.

--March 15, 2013