The Moons of Jupiter
By miscalculation
i leave the fly off the tent
and predawn dew settles
on our noses like a June slushie
My five-year-old granddaughter
gets up and helps me fumble
in the dark to set the fly atop
our damp domicile
We see the slice
of waning Moon and
bright Jupiter in the southeast,
easier for her to recognize than
dim Polaris from the night before
Jupiter has more than fifty moons
I tell her; dont go ‘overboard”
she says, I can only see our moon
and I know it’s not made of cheese
12 thoughts on "The Moons of Jupiter"
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So relatable where this starts, but I especially love where it ends. ❤️
Love the “June slushie.”
love the ending of this poem
I enjoyed this, especially this moment: “Jupiter has more than fifty moons/I tell her; dont go ‘overboard”
I love this.
In this case your miscalculation turns into a wonderful moment, and then a beautiful poem!
what a precocious five-year-old granddaughter you have
Absolutely love “don’t go overboard” ! Made me laugh and think about my own five-year-old granddaughter and the things she comes up with! This poem is a treasure!
Last stanza is such a wonderful turn.
i have a little note floating around my desk that says
io is the most volcanic body in the solar system…
talk about a fondue moon.
Lovely poem, and the turn in the last stanza adorable.
ZOE SPEAKS