notes on the afterthoughts of Galileo
Miranda Marks

when a scientist challenges
philosophers to confront their insecurity---
the world might topple over
for standing still too long.
the pupil will rage and leave him there
for sacrificing knowlegde
for the fear of pain of death.

we all sacrifice reason in the face of fear.

the source of this fountain
is simple words from
an inquisitor’s mouth---
fear that rains and reigns
our sensitive and supple ears.

(you may be right when you say
the world is our oyster;
you may be right when you say
all the pearls of dogma are now safely guarded
of the neck of power of the throne)

what challenge, what passion
can bring us to speak again
in the face of popular adversity?
when will the witch on her broomstick
become again old Marina with her ladle?

the stars are not our creation,
and may never be our demise---
but our careful avoidance
can dessimate worlds of thought.
our indifferent indecision can
leave us cowering in defeat.
and without our eyes,
what blind vision can be challenged?
how unhappy is the land where heroes are needed.