Constellation (Poetry)

6. Ara

Ara: The Altar of the Southern Sky

Ara is a constellation with a complex history. Originally, Ara was referred to as an altea, an incense vessel, or an altar with burning incense. The Greeks (and perhaps the Romans before them) referred to Ara as Tul-Ku, meaning "Holy Altar", which was an archaic Euphratean figure in the zodiac. It was then replaced by Libra when the Greeks adopted Ara and moved it to the present constellation. The Arabs called the constellation Al Mijmarah, borrowed from the Greeks and means "The Censer". The Romans identified it as Thymele, the altar of Dionysus, and Ara Centauri, "Centaur's Alter". Ara Centauri came about in the classical times where Ara, Lupus, and Centaurus were one constellation. Among all the references to the constellation, the name Turibulum, "Censer", from the Romans claimed victory as the title until the 18th century.

Johannes Hevelius' Ara
from Uranographia (1690)
In the 18th century the name Ara was given to the constellation and it became associated with the mythological story written by the Roman poet, Marcus Manilius. The story said that Ara was the altar where Zeus and his fellow gods took vows before defeating the Titans. In the biblical schools it became associated as the altar of the stories pertaining to Noah and Moses. In the contemporary times, Ara is normally represented as an incense burner and is drawn as such in the constellation depictions.

Ara or Altar constellation is constellation in the southern hemisphere that was spotted by Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE and crossed by the Milky Way.  The brightest star is Alpha Arae, and best to spot both these stars and constellation is at bright and clear summer nights.

The first notable tray on this constellation dates back in the 3rd century BC and was referred to as ‘incense altar’. Its visibility was used as a warning of sea storms. Long ago after that Ara was linked to Centaurus constellation, but finally managed to get its own recognition in the IAU list of modern constellations.

𓈒 𓂃  ˖ 𓇬 ˖  𓂃 𓈒

I can't seem to stop writing about my little one,
He is a tiny little star trying to shine through the dark,
He is just trying to be a normal, naughty toddler,
But his parents never allow him to even speak.

He tries to speak properly but only utters gibberish,
He shows actions that no one understands,
He wants to tell everyone about everything,
But he can't seem to, as his parents never bother.

Once he was a hungry baby who could eat anything,
He used to eat everything and anything,
But now, my sacrifices have all gone to waste,
He wants to but can't seem to eat anything.

The parenting was the worst, and they know it,
His love language became slapping and hitting,
He would hit himself to sleep peacefully,
He would hurt himself to make his parents happy.

He smiles at anything and everything,
His smile can light up a person and a house,
From birth, he knew how to fake a smile,
He just wants everyone to be happy and healthy.

He consoles everyone with his gibberish,
He consoles his parents too with care,
But all he receives is abuse and screams,
Still, he hopes their anger would fade.

From the morning, he drags his tub,
He has been independent since the newborn phase,
He bathes himself and takes care of himself,
He has never been a trouble to anyone or anything.

He is happy when someone gives him chocolate,
He is even happier when he shares it with everyone,
He isn't keen on filling his hungry tummy,
Rather, he would be so happy to see everyone eat.

I fought for you against your neglecting parents,
You supported me and turned against them,
But my heart broke when I saw many handprints,
It was my teenage instinct to fight without thinking.

My baby, you're the strongest person I've ever seen,
Stay strong and hang on, as I'm coming soon,
I'll be there for you from the moment I'm an adult,
Just trust in me and try your best to survive.

I tried my best to protect you, my child,
As a teenager, I couldn't do much for you,
But don't you worry, my beloved son,
Your aunt will achieve everything for you.
𓈒 𓂃  ˖ 𓇬 ˖  𓂃 𓈒

Ardra