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I have been experimenting with semi educational poems recently, researching a topic, such as Bananas, and then putting a poem together to present the subject to the reader in a way in which something might be learnt. The following poem introduces the Tapetum Lucidum which is a layer in a cat’s eye which reflects the light back into the retina and by so doing making the light twice seen, and the cat better at seeing in the dark.
Cats Eyes
He owns the night
that owns the light.
Tapetum Lucidum and Retina
do their work.
Twice seen light
makes night, light;
and light night
means dinner.
John Carré Buchanan
22 August 2011
This poem is linked to Poets United.
Dissertation, Thank you for your highly eloquent complement. I am glad you like my work.
ReplyDeleteHello John,
ReplyDeleteNice poem. There are so many wonders of nature that have not lost any of their magic even though we know the science or biology behind them. A cat's eyes is a pair of them. Good work!
Tedankhamen, Many thanks for your kind compliment. I wholly agree with your observation.
ReplyDeletei really like this John, learning in the aesthetic of poetry
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Thank you Gillena, I am glad you liked it.
DeleteI like your poem's play with the word "light." I think it's admirable!
ReplyDeleteHi J.T, thanks for your kind comment
DeleteYOu're welcome.
DeleteI love this. I didnt know that about the twice-reflected light. But do know cats know when it is dinnertime. LOL.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry, I am glad that I have enlightened you. thanks for your comment.
DeleteThe end is...the kill. Oh, my! :)
ReplyDeleteVery true MMT, thanks for your kind comment.
DeleteI learned about a cat's night vision, something that has always filled me with wonder. Your poem made me laugh, combining science, whimsy And rhyme. Mighty fine.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, Thanks for your comment. I'm glad that my poem made you laugh.
DeleteWell I did learn something here and your poem made me smile. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteHi Myrna, Thanks for your comment, I am glad that you learnt something and happier still that my poem made you smile.
DeleteGreat loved to learn this fact and love how you ended with "night light means dinner"
ReplyDeleteHi Marja, Thank you for your kind comment. Glad you found the poem informative.
DeleteDoing research on poetry subjects is a good thing. I always try to share something "educationy" in my poems too. I learned about the Tapetum Lucidum a few years ago when I asked a vet why cats saw so well at night. It is an interesting feature, is it not?
ReplyDeleteHi Toni, it certainly is. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteInteresting, informative... so nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThank you Thotpurge, I'm glad you liked it.
DeleteNice to learn something more. Thank you for that. I find your first line to be a poem by itself: He owns the night...Simply grand!
ReplyDeleteHi Sumana, thank you for your comment. I am glad that you enjoyed the poem and found new knowledge.
DeleteVery interesting and educational, John! That ability probably contributed to them having 9 lives!
ReplyDeleteHank
Hi Hank, Thanks for your comment. I guess that and their ability to land the right way up. They really are magnificent creatures.
DeleteI loved this - the light-heartedness, the rhyme, the scientific details about the cat's eyes that you worked into your poem. I am really appreciating your poetry these days, John.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary thank you for your kind comment. I am glad that you are appreciating my work.
DeleteI had no idea...this is so cool John! You gave a lesson in such a beautiful way. I love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie, Thanks for your comment, I'm glad you enjoyed the poem and that it imparted new knowledge.
DeleteNice that you make the educational still so poetic!
ReplyDeleteHi Rosemary, thank you for your kind comment.
Delete