Sir Patrick Moore (1923 - 2012) Poem by William Messent

In twenty three a star was born,
A supernova amateur
Amongst a galaxy of pros.
Self-taught, he'd gain respect from all.

His generous spirit helped the young
With finance and encouragement
Inspired a post-war generation
Of graduate astronomers.

So many aspects to his life:
TV presenter - 50 years,
A lunar personality
And early mapper of the moon,
Cheerful monocled professor,
Enthusiastic cricketer
(He bowled a vicious Chinaman!) ,
A guardian of the animal world,
Composer and musician,
Stargazer extraordinaire.

The sky at night is now less bright -
A knight is missing from the sky.
Our shining Patrick is no more,
His bright infectious chatter, gone.

On life outside the solar system
There'll always be much speculation,
But he would keep an open mind,
When pressed on beings, alien.
He'd fix you with his glassy stare
And with that enigmatic smile
Pronounce his mantra clear and slow
To those who'd ask: "We just don't know"!