A Jelly-fish, Marianne Moore; plus Sarah gets nerdy

And more on jellyfish. Or jelly-fish. I've seen Miss Moore's title presented either way, and though the language, with speed and efficiency having no regard for the look of a word, is eliding hyphens, I'm leaving this one in.

As a proofreader, I approve of the simplfication, the freedom of prefix to snuggle with its root word. Hyphens, further, can cause problems in typography. The move to a hyphen-less or hyphen-little language is okay, with exceptions.

And now, Marianne Moore's (November 15, 1887 – February 5, 1972) poem. Please read it outloud. It is a painting.

Painting from: www.karinbosearts.com/jellyfish

A Jelly-fish

Visible, invisible,

a fluctuating charm

an amber-tinctured amethyst

inhabits it, your arm

approaches and it opens

and it closes; you had meant

to catch it and it quivers;

you abandon your intent.

_____________

Marianne Moore, 1887-1972. For more info, please see poets.org.