Tuesday Poem: “The stars, Natasha” by Tim Jones
The stars, Natasha
Natasha, fundamentals are strong,
key indicators steady.
Leave your books, Natasha,
let your computer
draw patterns on its screen.
Walk with me through the heavens.
Along cold orbits
the spendthrift stars
squander their assets on light.
The World Bank
is unamused; the IMF
is noting down their names.
So take my hand
let’s drift away
into the cosmic background.
.
©Tim Jones
First published in Boat People (HeadworX) 2002
Reprinted in Voyagers: Science Fiction Poetry from New Zealand (Interactive Press) 2009
Reproduced here with permission.
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About the Poem:
I always enjoy Tim Jones’ poetry and we share an interest in science and science fiction, as well as poetry—so it is perhaps not surprising that when down at Tekapo for the UC Alumni’s Mt John observatory weekend recently, where stargazing occupied a large part of my time, I found The stars, Natasha running through my head.
So of course I had to ask Tim if I could share it with you as a Tuesday Poem, and am very pleased that he has said “yes.” 🙂
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About the Poet:
Tim Jones is a poet and author of both science fiction and literary fiction who was awarded the New Zealand Society of Authors Janet Frame Memorial Award for Literature in 2010. He lives in Wellington, New Zealand. Among his recent books are fantasy novel Anarya’s Secret (RedBrick, 2007), short story collection Transported (Vintage, 2008), and poetry anthology Voyagers: Science Fiction Poetry from New Zealand (Interactive Press, 2009), co-edited with Mark Pirie. Voyagers won the “Best Collected Work” category in the 2010 Sir Julius Vogel Awards, and has been selected for the “Books On New Zealand” exhibition at the 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair. Tim’s most recent book is his third poetry collection, Men Briefly Explained, published by Interactive Press (IP) in late 2011. He is currently working on his third short story collection.
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I love this poem Helen! Especially these lines:
“Along cold orbits
the spendthrift stars
squander their assets on light.”
Gave me shivers 🙂
I love the juxtaposition of the shining heavenly stars beside the IMF and World Bank (and their disapproval!). Thanks for sharing Tim’s work, Helen – it’s always filled with so much to ponder and rethink!
Leah, Elizabeth: I am glad you both enjoyed the poem. Tim’s work is always enjoyable but also repays a more thoughtful read. Thank you for commenting.:)
Hey this is a great little gem! Tim never disappoints. That middle stanza and the way it leads into the last is just great.
You are right, Michelle: Tim does never disappoint and I do feel this is a clever poem, one that operates at several levels.
Love this. Nice to think of leaving one’s computer and walking through the stars. Thanks Tim and Helen
Glad you enjoyed, Helen: it is a ‘goodie’ 🙂