Telescopes

This is the pipe that pierces the dam

that holds back the universe,

that takes off some of the pressure,

keeping the weight of the unknown

from breaking through

and washing us all down the valley.

Because of this small tube,

through which a cold light rushes

from the bottom of time,

the depth of the stars stays always constant

and we are able to sleep, at least for now,

beneath the straining wall of darkness.