We have seen it all before

A poem

Its was quite a shock to the many,
appearing in the sky tonight.
A celestial object shining large,
yet failing to provide any light.

We had seen this one before
and thought its spectacular demise,
would mean there was little chance
we’d ever see it re-energized.

When blinded with a promise,
time transitions and people too.
We forget how this can harm us,
seeking change, seeking the new.

The star drew others towards it
with its gravity ambiguous, 
its power seemed to make them brighter
strengthening their own influence.

As soon as their heads were turned 
came suspicions, darkly discordant.
Repulsed by nefarious shadows 
inside the Machiavellian orbit.

Everyone, now, was screaming out,
each one expert in constellations.
Half of them in delight of the new,
the other of disaster and disillusionment.

Every flicker, vibration or oscillation
was poured over, twisted and then,
escalated rabidly with added speculation,
evidence of an imminent end.

Anxiety reached a fever pitch,
the people were split into two.
Those who saw a brave new world or 
apocalypse for those who 'just knew'

But both were so utterly wrong.
In being so totally consumed, 
forgetting that time moves on,
even solar bodies cannot be excused.

And whilst we were worrying,
screaming against a lie or a promise,
It turned out the star was not a star,
but just a returning comet.

Penzance, Cornwall. 2021. Nikon d750