The Little Comet That Could

Note: “Kreutz” is pronounced “Kroits.”

Lovejoy, a Kreutz sungrazer, has just done
A death-defying feat, and kissed the Sun.

Stargazers shook their heads: “He won’t make it!”
Lovejoy said to himself: “I can take it!”

The road ahead led through the Sun’s corona —
It’s hotter there than June in Arizona.

The stellar surface loomed and threatened to
Turn little Lovejoy into barbecue.

Old Lovejoy said, “No turning back. Here goes!”
And tail-wagged past the star on tippy-toes.

The gazers cried, “He’s bigger than we thought!
“How else could he survive something that hot?”

“Tremendously traumatic.” “Likely weak.”
“May fragment any day. Here, take a peek.”

Lovejoy winked at the lenses and their clan,
Said, “Better get an eyeful while you can!”

Then he set sail, continued on his way,
Leaving the naysayers to have their say.

Reference
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/16dec_cometlovejoy/

(Copyright 2018 James Mansfield Nichols. All rights reserved.)