Benjamin S. Grossberg - 'The Space Traveler Talks Frankly About Desire'

Ben Grossberg reads a poem from his book 'Space Traveler', where an alien character discusses desire. The poem uses cosmic imagery to explore desire as a force that moves bodies, comparing it to the gravitational pull in space. The alien reflects on human desire, likening it to Earth seeking a more compelling sun, despite potential risks. The poem concludes with a personal reflection on the alien's own desires and memories.

Who is the speaker in the poem 'The Space Traveler Talks Frankly About Desire'?

• A philosopher

• An alien space traveler

• A human astronaut

• A scientist

What does the speaker suggest is more compelling than physical mass?

• The temperature of the mass

• The idea and anticipation of the mass

• The size of the mass

• The color of the mass

According to the speaker, what might Earth irrationally desire?

• A more lustrous sun

• A larger moon

• A closer star

• A new planet

What is the potential risk mentioned if Earth pursued a more lustrous sun?

• It might be burned to a crisp

• It could be flung into the void

• It could lose its atmosphere

• It might become too cold

What does the speaker remember distinctly at the end of the poem?

• The place where he left his sun

• The warmth of his home planet

• The journey through space

• The faces of humans