“Ralph Waldo Emerson once asked what we would do if the stars only came out once every thousand years. No one would sleep that night, of course. The world would create new religions overnight. We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God. Instead, the stars come out every night and we watch television.”
Credits: Photograph – NatGeo first place Best Travel Picture Winner in 2011. Ben Canales sprawls in the snow under the starry sky above Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Quote: Thepoetoaster.com
wow
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For me too Seth, thanks.
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glad I gave up tv as a kid
still looking into space
in amazement
never tried it
with a flashlight!
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Smiling. I never had either. And I’ve weaning myself off the tube except for movies.
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Thanks David….a wonderful reminder.
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Thanks Nick. It is for me too…
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This resonates deeply with me, as I enjoy “moments of rapture” on a regular basis when taking the dogs out for their first ablutions of the day at 3:30 or 4. Many’s the morning when I glance up and the breath catches in my throat as I gaze at the firmament. It’s a treasured time for me…..
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And for me…and that said, if I was deprived of my morning’s moment with the stars, I would feel truly bereft. I can marvel when they’re hidden by clouds, for I know they are still there. But to not see them for an eternity? I can’t imagine..
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I can’t imagine (the darkness) either…
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Yes, Lori. That short glance upward, is breathtaking.
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Reblogged this on Good Morning and commented:
I like to acknowledge things in which we have a common appreciation and yet ignore.
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Thanks for sharing Bob.
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when i was in australia this summer, the kids and i took blankets outside at night and had a ‘star club’ where we just laid there and watched and listened, under the southern cross and all of the other glittering wonders above. it was bonding on a whole other level.
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Ahhhhh yes. A memory for the kids they’ll never forget.
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Reblogged this on Bright, shiny objects… and commented:
Just a few moments ago, I took the dog out and looked up at the stars and was blown away by what I saw. This is so true, David…
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Thanks for sharing Todd. I’m with you. Mind-blowing.
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Everything becomes banal. We take the familiar as a matter of course. To break through the trance and See is a magic trick.
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Yes, yes, yes.
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Last night, as I was about to go to bed, I looked at the moon. It was magical! It was glowing an orangey color and only the bottom 2/3 were visible and the ocean was illuminated underneath. I went outside onto the balcony and saw bright stars, watched the moon and listened to the ocean waves. I was completely gobsmacked. There is so much beauty around us, thanks for reminding us to appreciate it, David.
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Gobsmacked. LOVE THAT. I miss the ocean waves in South Florida. You are blessed (this time of the year) Carolann
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I know…
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Reblogged this on THE STRATEGIC LEARNER and commented:
This one made me think of an old short science fiction story, where a clear view of all the stars visible from the planet (not earth) only appeared once in a great while (thousands of years) … and the sight would always destroy civilization, which would have to begin anew from the ashes. I’m guessing Isaac Asimov here, but do not have time to Google-check my memory.
Whatever, as a metro dweller who grew up in the country, I recognize the power of a clear and starlit night … and miss it terribly. As Dee and Kay say
” They’re beautiful, aren’t they?
What?
The stars.
We never just look anymore.”
(Men in Black, 1997)
Wishing it were nighttime in the Heartland ….
John
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Thanks for sharing John. Love the Men in Black Quote, thanks for sharing.
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It’s Christmas everyday and everyone is King.”
Love this poem David!
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Yes Debra!
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The heavens are a wonferful creation.
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So true, isn’t it… Thankfully I haven’t ceased to reserve a seat throughout the years, even if it’s for a few minutes. Happy Monday, David! 🙂
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Smiling. You too Marina.
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Sadly a true observation. People take too much for granted.
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Me too Alex. Me too.
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Thats amazing! But for us living in the bigger cities, it feels that way when we go to the suburbs the sky fills up with stars 🙂
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So true Kim.
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Reblogged this on Monsoon Showers and commented:
No one would sleep that night.
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