Slander

by Kenneth Pobo

Some scientist had the gaul
to call dear Neptune a "wasteland"
on public TV—Neptune

is many things—boisterous, cranky,
gorgeous, capricious
(you don't believe me, ask Pluto)
and witty—never a wasteland.

The sun visits, barely
leaves a footprint, strolls
in her chilly garden. Moons press
noses to her window. She
loves to be watched,
also watches back,
a good mother busy

teasing telescopes,
flirting with astronomers,
skateboarding
on an windy track.

Copyright © 2004, Kenneth Pobo

Kenneth Pobo teaches Creative Writing and English at Widener University in Pennsylvania. His new book of poems, Introductions, is now available from Pearl's Book'Em Press. He has been interested in astronomy (minus the math) for many years, especially drawn to Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto (with a special affection for Pluto's charming moon Charon). His story "Neptune Boy" appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer's magazine.