On this day in 1785 Caroline Herschel became the first woman to discover a comet. With this in mind I have chosen a poem called Comets, which is really about a death and therefore reminded me of an old wives tale, that each time a star shoots, someone dies. A bitty morbid perhaps but the poem by Robert Longley is not.

Photo by Pixaby

Comets

Stars at night they twinkle
Afar and burning bright
Each a source of wonder
Standing bright amidst the night

We pay them small attention
For they are always there
We go about our business
With but a single care

But then there are the comets
Bright and racing past
Everyone takes notice
Even if they do not last

It’s what people remember
The dramatic burning light
That stands out on the landscape
And brightens up the night

By Robert Longley