The universe is really beige. Get used to it.
                                John Noble Wilford
                               The New York Times

Color of the Universe
by Lucille Lang Day

To Richard

I can’t believe the universe is tan,
not red or green or lavender or blue.
I feel carnelian when you take my hand–

not beige, like lima beans from a can,
but a splendid, electrifying hue.
I can’t believe the universe is tan.

Rose and gold are what I understand
when I think of waking up each day with you.
I feel carnelian when I take your hand,

and like the universe my love expands,
surrounding us with turquoise and chartreuse.
Can you believe the universe is tan,

a color desolate as lunar sand
and homely as a peanut or cashew?
I feel carnelian when we’re hand in hand,

listening to Perahia play Chopin.
The stars all turn cerulean on cue.
I don’t care if the universe is tan:
I feel carnelian as you take my hand.


First published in Blue Unicorn



 

Return to: