Original Poem：
The two boys lean out on the railing
of the front porch, looking up.
Behind them they can hear their mother
in one room watching “Name That Tune,”
their father in another watching
a Walter Cronkite Special, the TVs
turned up high and higher till they
each can’t hear the other’s show.
The older boy is saying that no matter
how many stars you counted there were
always more stars beyond them
and beyond the stars black space
going on forever in all directions,
so that even if you flew up
millions and millions of years
you’d be no closer to the end
of it than they were now
here on the porch on Tuesday night
in the middle of summer.
The younger boy can think somehow
only of his mother’s closet,
how he likes to crawl in back
behind the heavy drapery
of shirts, nightgowns and dresses,
into the sheer black where
no matter how close he holds
his hand up to his face
there’s no hand ever, no
face to hold it to.
A woman from another street
is calling to her stray cat or dog,
clapping and whistling it in,
and farther away deep in the city
sirens now and again
veer in and out of hearing.
The boys edge closer, shoulder
to shoulder now, sad Ptolemies,
the older looking up, the younger
as he thinks back straight ahead
into the black leaves of the maple
where the street lights flicker
like another watery skein of stars.
“Name That Tune” and Walter Cronkite
struggle like rough water
to rise above each other.
And the woman now comes walking
in a nightgown down the middle
of the street, clapping and
whistling, while the older boy
goes on about what light years
are, and solar winds, black holes,
and how the sun is cooling
and what will happen to
them all when it is cold.</p>
Poem Explanation and Analysis
This evocative poem captures a quiet summer evening scene where two boys lean on the porch railing, gazing up at the vast night sky. The poem contrasts the intimate, domestic sounds of their parents watching television with the boys’ imaginative and profound conversation about the universe. The older boy speaks about the infinite nature of space, stars beyond stars, and cosmic phenomena such as light years, solar winds, and black holes. Meanwhile, the younger boy’s thoughts drift to a personal, comforting place—the darkness inside his mother’s closet, a small world of mystery and safety.
The poem explores themes of curiosity, wonder, family life, and the contrast between the vastness of the cosmos and the intimacy of everyday moments. The boys symbolize different ways of experiencing the world: the older boy looks outward, contemplating the infinite universe, while the younger boy looks inward, finding solace in familiar surroundings. The references to the mother’s closet and the woman walking down the street in a nightgown add a touch of realism and tenderness to the scene.
The poem also uses imagery effectively: the flickering streetlights resemble stars, and the competing TV sounds create a backdrop of everyday life. The boys’ shared moment is both a literal and metaphorical coming together—shoulder to shoulder like “sad Ptolemies,” an allusion to ancient astronomers who once believed in a geocentric universe, highlighting the theme of human attempts to understand the cosmos.
Background and Author Introduction
This poem is written by a contemporary poet who often focuses on childhood experiences, family dynamics, and the interplay between imagination and reality. The author’s style is characterized by vivid imagery and a gentle tone that invites readers to reflect on the small yet profound moments of life.
The poem likely draws from the author’s own memories or observations of family life, emphasizing the contrast between the mundane and the cosmic. The mention of “Walter Cronkite,” a famous American journalist known for his authoritative news programs, situates the poem in a specific cultural and historical context, possibly the late 20th century.
Reflections and Insights
Reading this poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of ordinary moments and the power of imagination. It reminds us that even in the midst of everyday noise and distractions, children’s minds wander to places both vast and intimate. The poem also touches on the theme of time and change, with the older boy’s reflections on the sun cooling and the future of all life.
For adults, it is a poignant reminder of the innocence and depth of children’s thoughts. For children and students, it offers an invitation to explore science, nature, and family relationships through poetry.
Learning Points for Children and Students
- Cosmic Concepts: The poem introduces basic astronomical ideas such as stars, black holes, light years, and solar winds in a natural, conversational way.
- Imagination and Observation: It encourages children to observe their surroundings carefully and use their imagination to explore bigger ideas.
- Family and Environment: The poem highlights the importance of family settings and how everyday life influences children’s thoughts and feelings.
- Literary Devices: Students can learn about imagery, metaphor (e.g., “sad Ptolemies”), and contrast between sound and silence.
- Emotional Awareness: The younger boy’s comfort in the dark closet can be a starting point to discuss feelings of safety and curiosity.
Practical Applications and Inspirations
- In the Classroom: Teachers can use this poem to introduce astronomy topics alongside poetry, helping students connect science and literature.
- Creative Writing: Children can be encouraged to write their own poems about what they imagine when looking at the night sky or about their favorite quiet places.
- Family Discussions: Parents can use the poem to talk about the universe and encourage children’s questions about space and time.
- Mindfulness and Reflection: The poem’s quiet, contemplative mood can inspire mindfulness exercises focusing on observation and imagination.
Reading Comprehension Questions
- Where are the two boys standing and what are they doing?
- What are the boys’ parents doing in the poem?
- What does the older boy say about the stars and space?
- How does the younger boy’s imagination differ from the older boy’s?
- What is the significance of the woman walking down the street in a nightgown?
- What literary device is used when the boys are called “sad Ptolemies”?
- How does the poem contrast the vast universe with everyday life?
- What feelings does the younger boy experience when he thinks about his mother’s closet?
- What do the flickering street lights symbolize in the poem?
- What lessons can children learn from this poem?
Answers to Reading Comprehension Questions
- The two boys are leaning out on the railing of the front porch, looking up at the night sky.
- Their mother is watching “Name That Tune” in one room, and their father is watching a Walter Cronkite Special in another room, with the TV volumes turned up high.
- The older boy explains that no matter how many stars you count, there are always more stars beyond them, and beyond those stars is endless black space continuing forever.
- The younger boy imagines the dark inside his mother’s closet, a small, comforting space, while the older boy thinks about the vastness of the universe.
- The woman walking in a nightgown, clapping and whistling, adds a touch of everyday reality and warmth to the scene, contrasting with the cosmic themes.
- Calling the boys “sad Ptolemies” is a metaphor referring to ancient astronomers, symbolizing human attempts to understand the universe.
- The poem contrasts the infinite universe with the intimate sounds of family life and the small, familiar spaces the boys know.
- The younger boy feels a sense of comfort and mystery in the darkness of the closet, where he cannot see his hand or face clearly.
- The flickering street lights are compared to stars, symbolizing a connection between the familiar earthly world and the vast cosmos.
- Children can learn about curiosity, imagination, science concepts, family relationships, and emotional awareness.
This poem is a beautiful blend of science and poetry, encouraging young readers to explore the universe both outside and inside themselves. It offers valuable lessons on observation, imagination, and the wonder of the natural world.
