Lines 1-4:

Stargazing, a practice steeped in antiquity, was embraced passionately by the Greeks, who often bestowed poetic names upon celestial formations and spun epic tales around them. These narratives, or myths, served as attempts to unravel the mysteries of nature. By the 5th century BC, the learned Eratosthenes meticulously assembled the Catasterismi, a compendium brimming with such tales, each intricately intertwined with others.

Consider the myths surrounding the constellation Orion. One legend anoints the sea-god Neptune as Orion's father and Queen Euryale, the formidable Amazonian huntress, as his mother. Following in his mother's swift footsteps, Orion emerged as the world’s unrivaled hunter. However, his hubris led him to boast that no creature could escape his grasp, until a scorpion's sting silenced him. Another tale paints Orion as a motherless gift from Jupiter, Neptune, and Mercury to a humble peasant, destined to become a legendary hunter. After King Oenopion denied him permission to wed his daughter, Merion, Orion resorted to force. Oenopion, cunningly, blinded Orion and cast him adrift on the shore, where the sun-god restored his vision. After countless adventures, he found companionship with Diana, desiring marriage. Yet, her brother Apollo, opposed their union and tricked Diana into unwittingly shooting Orion with her arrow. Her grieving tears lifted Orion to the stars, where he shines eternally.

The poem unfolds with the speaker addressing Orion, the celestial hunter, scanning the vast sky from every corner of the Earth. Orion's Belt, a trio of bright stars aligned in a straight line, captivates the observer and points toward the galaxy's opposite heart. These stars are fondly referred to as a "hammock" by the speaker, who relishes the simple joy of gazing upon Orion. His warm greeting suggests that the stars are a steadfast and familiar element of his universe. Many, engulfed in the whirlwind of daily life, especially urban dwellers, miss the opportunity to marvel at the celestial tapestry above, often obscured by perpetual human commotion and the veil of city lights and smog.

Lines 5-8:

The speaker continues his intimate dialogue with Orion, bestowing the constellation with a personal touch by calling it a "person." His tone is as fond as if addressing a cherished confidant, perhaps akin to a godparent. He shares that Orion was destined to be the first celestial figure his son would "meet," which is fitting given Orion’s prominence in the sky, particularly during the chill of January and February in the northern hemisphere. To find Orion, one merely needs to gaze southeast at his signature belt of three luminous stars. The speaker anticipates his son's innocent play on words, likening his son's head to a "small sun," emphasizing the boy's significance to him. This metaphor not only highlights the son's intrinsic value but suggests he is a constellation unto himself, a radiant presence on Earth. Just as all life relies on the sun, the father draws emotional sustenance from his son.

Lines 9-11:

The narrative places father and son in a car, "whizzing" through the night's embrace, a scene reflective of the vast Midwest where lengthy drives connect distant towns. As the speaker speculates on his son's potential words, using "if" to imagine his thoughts, his son’s charming mispronunciation of "Orion" hints at his tender age, likely three or four. This delightful exchange further enriches the bond between father and son, offering readers a glimpse into their affectionate relationship.

Lines 12-14:

The father's choice not to awaken his son, following an imagined dialogue with the constellation, suggests past struggles for the child's attention. Mentioning that he has his son "for the weekend" hints at a possible separation or divorce from the boy’s mother, with weekend visits forming their precious time together. This element imbues the poem with a poignant charm, edging it gently toward heartfelt sentimentality.