Griffith Observatory At Night

Griffith Observatory at night, from Chris Camargo's photoblog: Welcome to Los Angeles

An attempt¹ at a sonnet²

Come join me, let us stand and gaze from here

the distant twinkle of the city lights.

The sky is never ample pure and clear

to see the brilliance of the stars these nights.

'Tis hard to see them through this urban smog

and city lights so strong they cloud the skies;

they do create a thickness and a fog

that limit reach and depth of gazing eyes.

Though oft' I've heard our lights cannot compare

With splendor true of heavenly bodies,

I cannot wish to stars that are not there

hence will I now entreat and pray to these.

So let the stars in all their glory be

for mine are here, pray they suffice for me.

---

[1] My poem fails to fit the meter for a Shakespearean sonnet on one or two or three (or more?) of the lines. 

[2] Note: This poem was only slightly inspired by B.O.B.’s Airplanes. The primary influence is the view from Griffith Observatory and the smog in L.A.