"How to Grade Comets" by Mary Soon Lee, Poet of the Week

How to Grade Comets

Mary Soon Lee

Do not grade on a curve.

Do not use numbers at all.

Even the smallest comet
deserves more than a score.

Consider their constancy,

their patience, their heart.

That long cold trajectory

before the sunward curl.

Compliment their commitment,

their comae, their tails.

The courage it takes to burn

for the sake of their art.

Grant each a gold star

to welcome them back.

Poet's Notes: This poem is part of a sequence of astronomy poems that I am working on. I have been writing more science poetry of late, but it is often science poetry with a slantwise view, such as in this case. If I could have six lives and six careers, I would hope to be a scientist in one of them. I am especially drawn to space, and, though I have not put it to use, I have an M.Sc. in astronautics and space engineering.

Editor's Note:  I have known Mary for years and just found out about her Master's degree!  I hope you enjoyed this final tribute to her as she goes ad astra (but hopefully not per aspera).