The Observer

On a warm pacific evening
On a red eye to the mainland
I met up with an observer
We were both too tired to sleep
So we took turns a-starin’
Out the window at the darkness
Til boredom overtook us
and she began to speak

She said kid I’ve made a life
out of studying the planets
And knowing which photons
could best tell a story
So if you don’t mind my saying
I can see you’ve had bad weather
For a taste of your coffee
I’ll give you some advice

So I handed her my Starbucks
And she peaked under the lid
Then took a cautious sip
And said “At least it’s true black
From your look I would’ve took you
For a macchiato latte
caramel soy Grande
with a splash of mint”

You got to know when to open
Know when to call it
Know when to walk away
From an observin’ run
You never count your photons
‘til they’re safely on the hard drive
They’ll be time enough for analysis
when the run is done.

Now every observer knows
That the secret to surviving
Is staying optimistic and
Assuming the clouds will clear
But, every observer knows
If the fog and humidity
Don’t kill ya, then an
Instrument failure will.

When the observer finished talking
She turned back to the window
Crushed up the coffee cup
And drifted off to sleep
Meanwhile I started writin’
That very next proposal
To hope to get some time
When the sky is clear

You got to know when to open
Know when to call it
Know when to walk away
From an observin’ run
You never count your photons
‘til they’re safely on the hard drive
They’ll be time enough for analysis
when the run is done.