Saturn

In the freezing regions

far beyond the Sun

lies a gas giant with internal heat

to fire the imagination,

an endless atmosphere

that harbours hidden worlds

but speaks of gods,

an exotic meteorology

of violent storms and cataclysms

where clouds of soot compress

into showers of liquid diamond

never to be grasped by mortals.

Ice moons look on, keeping their distance

envious or fearful

among the fragile beauty of the ice rings,

long known to possess the power

to inspire our dreams.