Cosmic Quartet Poem by Harley White

Quartets are mainly on the ground,
not high above beyond the blue,
but four companions have been found
that Hubble captured in its view.

They're part of Hickson Compact Group
sixteen— in Cetus (or the Whale) .
Some of the seven in the troop
possess a wispy tidal tail.

Galaxies of different style
were spotted in this cosmic crew—
three starbursts in their rank and file,
two LINERs, and a Seyfert Two.

Imaged against a background seen
with distant galaxies about,
their centers gleam with golden sheen,
and star formation's acted out.

Pondering this immense tableau
sets my fantasies all astir,
envisaging an epic show
or classic tale, if I prefer.

A spectacle in outer space
of foursome miming fabled theme,
with deities of mythic grace,
meanders into whimsy's stream.

Then reveries and fancies fly
to string quartet of stellar scale,
playing a concert in the sky
that makes all other music pale.

Gazing up at the heavens' vault
may have immeasurable worth,
because it calls a fleeting halt
to our pettiness here on Earth.

There in Cetus constellation
lies a brilliant celestial scene
of poetic inspiration…
So, shine on, HCG 16!