There is a tale of seven sisters whose father help up the sky
pursued by Orion, carried to the heavens by Zeus.
Farming season began when their star cluster appeared high—
their position in the fall marked change in seafaring use.

Pursued by Orion, carried to the heavens by Zeus.
Among the first stars mentioned in ancient Chinese annals,
their position in the fall marked change in seafaring use—
with the Native American Kiowa taking similar channels.

Among the first stars mentioned in ancient Chinese annals
written around four thousand years ago—and as a myth
with the Native American Kiowa taking similar channels—
including the seven maidens climb to Devil’s Tower Monolith.

Written around four thousand years ago—and as a myth,
farming season began when their star cluster appeared high.
Including the seven maidens climb to Devil’s Tower Monolith
there is a tale of seven sisters whose father held up the sky.

 

Carol Smallwood’s recent books include Divining the Prime Meridian (WordTech Communications, 2015); Water, Earth, Air, Fire, and Picket Fences (Lamar University Press, 2014). A multi-Pushcart nominee in RHINO, Drunken Boat, she’s founded, supports humane societies.

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6 Responses

  1. Dusty Grein

    Beautiful. I love when a poem can be didactic, without becoming pedantic or pandering, and you do this quite well. It’s a very interesting lesson in the stars and the mythology. Well done!

    Reply
    • Carol Smallwood

      My gratitude to you, Dusty, for your response! It was hard to select what to include and what to leave out.

      Reply
    • Carol Smallwood

      Thank you very much for reading and responding, Kathy. One never knows if what they write will be read by anyone much less liked!

      Reply

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