On Reading “Astrophysics for Dummies”

by Jo Ann Baldinger

Aside from the math, it’s just like reading poetry,
another construct for illuminating bits

of a vast pervading darkness, the species’ lust
for pattern, forging order inch by inch

obedient to strict laws, each
to be proved wrong, disgraced, replaced.

The latest claim is that our universe
is but one among an infinitude,

the sweet milky galaxy we call home
no more than a flicker.

Where then to place the realm of poets
those who must grapple with words

if they wish to salvage certain fragments
or delay their good-byes

or ponder why it seems so beautiful
and we hardwired to love.