|
How to Dismantle a Universe
Remove the smaller planets first,
labelling each one carefully.
Unpick each star in reverse order
and place them neatly in small drawers.
Whole galaxies can be preserved intact,
pressed between sheets of tissue paper
and stacked on sliding shelves.
Place asteroids and meteorites in shallow trays.
Larger planets will need to be wrapped
separately and stored in chests
complete with atmospheres and any
accompanying rings, satellites and moons.
Lastly, wearing asbestos gloves,
pick out the hotter giants and suns
with forceps. Keep them in a heatproof safe.
Remember to keep a colour-coded plan.
When all that’s left is empty space
you can begin to roll it from one edge
keeping the whole thing flat and straight.
Keep your universe in a darkened place.
Helen Johnson
|
