Orbitals

Orbitals


Like hailey's comet
you've ruined me with your
distance brilliance.


They told me that to glimpse you
at least in once in life
was an accomplishment in itself.


They say you'll return
back home
because things are always orbital.


The draw of the sun
our distant star
they say these things are science.


Science scares me with facts
that the space is an unknown
and filled with bouncing radicals.


One ricochet
from some wayward rock
could send you out of sight forever.


The astronomers are assuring me it won't
but when you come back changed
from free radicals and blinding speeds-


I'm hoping I catch a glimpse of you again
and slow you down long enough
for a touch and pause.


Staring across an ocean
I wonder if like our star
I have gravity too.


-Matthew Koutzun