Monkey Head Nebula Poem by Harley White

Why is it called the Monkey Head?
Where is the monkey hiding?
Whose pareidolia has led
to such nickname presiding?

It seems that humans love to lay
some meaningful impression
upon the images that they
retain at their discretion.

The famous Rorschach inkblot test
is based upon such notions
that subjects' inklings manifest
their unexpressed emotions.

Apparently it is a kind,
pareidolia to wit,
of apophenia, or mind
seeking patterns that are fit.

Stargazers also like to place
their own interpretations
upon the things they glimpse in space
thus adding innovations.

Such here appears the case with what
the nebula is showing
and how a head seems to abut
for someone in the knowing

of what they are supposed to see
according to the label
and if their vision can agree
with mythic theme or fable.

NGC two one seven four,
is a vibrant birthing site
for youthful stellars by the score
in a spot huefully bright,

a violent star nursery
with makings of formation
in explanation cursory
for youngsters in creation.

While all ingredients are there
for fashioning star birth new,
most dissipate into the air
in lieu of cooking up brew.

It lies within Orion's throng
six thousand four hundred light-
years from the world where we belong,
as mortals with appetite

for knowledge and for might, alas,
more than simply holding sway,
since oft with power comes to pass
greed for all one may survey.

At any rate to view the stars
and look beyond our worries
transports us from the nears to fars,
from present mirth and furies

while bearing fancies further than
all possible endeavors
to realms where fantasy can span
the evermore forevers.