In this solitary silhouette, I felt the sky fold back into its deeper self — a quiet reminder that infinity is not a distant realm but a shift in perception. Darkness becomes brightness when seen in reverse, and even the faintest glow can reveal the universe’s hidden architecture. These three captures from my afternoon walk opened that doorway, and as I sat with them at the café, the poem below arrived in a small explosion of insight — a moment where inverted light found its voice.
Into the Blue
I’m unravelling my way
From out of the grey
And back into the blue
For an unobstructed view
Of the unfettered universe
Where I can observe light in reverse
I perceive the panorama of infinity’s darkness
To be a cosmic aurora of brightness —
Not a mere perception of blackness
But a transparent glow of hopefulness
Two visions of blue — one rising from the depths, one bursting into joy — each reflecting a different facet of the journey from grey to light. Together they complete the sky the poem began.
“And so the sky sings twice.”
Ivor Steven © August 2026
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 
Jeff Lynne wrote “Mr. Blue Sky” while isolated in a foggy, misty chalet in the Swiss Alps. After two weeks of dreary weather, depression, and writer’s block, the clouds suddenly cleared to reveal a bright blue sky and a stunning mountain view. Inspired and uplifted by the sudden shift, Lynne wrote the song and 13 other tracks for his new album over a two week period. Perhaps your profound poetry was even more deeply inspired by this song than you realize! Magical poem and music, my dear friend. 🎶🪄✨💙
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Thank you so much for your wonderfully perceptive words my dear friend … and yes we’re going through a cold bleak spell and writing at the Cafe is a perfect posy to perceive the universe 💕🌏💙📘🎶
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That background story for “Mr. Blue Sky” is such a good one and always relevant, I knew it would resonate with you. I simply had to share it, my dear friend. In the bleak midwinter, set your thoughts on spring, 🥰
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Thank you, and I certainly appreciated the wonderful story my friend 🎶💙🌏📘🥰
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Ivor, this speaks straight to my heart! 💙 ‘I perceive the panorama of infinity’s darkness to be a cosmic aurora of brightness’ yes, exactly! That idea of darkness as unseen light, of infinity as a shift in perception rather than a distant place, is one I hold so dear. ‘A transparent glow of hopefulness’ is a gorgeous line. Beautiful work, my friend! 🌌
Love & Hugs
Khadija 💕🤗
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Thank you for perceiving my perceptions in such a positive light,Khadija 💙🌏📘
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Always, Ivor! 💙
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I enjoyed your Philosophical thoughts on this one.
…infinity is not a distant realm but a shift in perception.
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Haha, some in depth thoughts my friend
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Wonderful poetry Ivor so deep soft blue skies masking the huge and black universe beyond.
Two great songs both amazing both years apart but yet so close 💜💜💜
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That’s a quaint analogy, and the universe is light years apart, Willow 🎶💙📘🌏🎶
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Brilliant heart-touching posting, Ivor! Your photos, your poem and you music choices!
Beautiful photos that inspired you! 🙂
Your deep, powerful, and ponder-ful poem has me thinking about always appreciating light and darkness. I’ve always believed light and darkness are companions…both have purpose in the universe, in nature, in life, and in our emotions. (((HUGS))) 🩶🩵💛🤍
PS… “Life is not about living only in the light or escaping the dark. It is about carrying the lessons of every sunrise and every midnight, knowing that even the longest night cannot stop the dawn from arriving.”
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Thank you for marvellous quote, Carolyn, and we are going through a dull and dismal winter spell and on way to the Cafe I captured the wonderful bird photos, and then they really prompted my thoughts to create this philosophical poem … 🌏📘🥰🎶🐶🦅🌌
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Lovely.
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