So Far As

Stars drew our eyes until we saw patterns palpable to all.

Stars so far as we could see until we learned to see farther.

Universes! They, too, took form and pattern, so far as we could see.

Now the cosmos awaits our puny wit to find plurality so far as we can see.

So near can we see, we split neutron from proton with a mighty flash and bang

To announce, We Master!, with lots of people killed and stuff blown up,

Then we looked again and, so near as we can see, there's finer yet to see.

Some claim, so near can they see, the scale changes yet again. Many times.

Look near or far the pattern repeats: A fractal universe with no ends.

The creation ever iterates; we part of it and it all of us.

The old man hums a tune into his brass spittoon

Cocks an eye at the old moon and allows a point or two for the metaphor.

But shakes his head at my hopes of passing. Too, too many missed chances,

too few noble deeds, so little simple honesty, so near and far as he has seen.

--ml