Planetarium

“Dreamwood” by Adrienne Rich (1987)

This poem by Rich, published in Poetry magazine, looks at the role of the poet, like the end of “Planetarium.” In “Dreamwood,” Rich focuses on her desk, or “typing stand” (Line 1). Here, poetry is compared to a work “report” (Line 24) through the “material” (Line 23) of the desk. This reflects how poetry is compared to the work of astronomical recording in “Planetarium.”

“The Common Women Poems, II. Ella, in a square apron, along Highway 80” by Judy Grahn (1969)

Judy Grahn is a poet whose work Adrienne Rich promoted. Rich wrote the introduction for Grahn’s collection The work of a common woman: The collected poetry of Judy Grahn, 1964-1977. Both Grahn and Rich were part of the second-wave feminist movement. This poem is one of Grahn’s “Common Women Poems” reprinted on the Poetry Foundation website. It explores both gender and class, describing a waitress’ difficult life. Like the inclusion of natural celestial bodies in “Planetarium,” Grahn’s poem features a natural metaphor, but one on earth—a snake.

“Ah, Moon—and Star!” by Emily Dickinson (c. 1860-1862)

This is an astronomical poem by Emily Dickinson. Like Rich in “Planetarium,” Dickinson uses astronomical measurement in her imagery.