The moon shone brightly
through blinded windows
Woke me
Made huge horizontal stripes
on whitewashed walls
I turned toward its familiar beauty
Smiled widely
Then wrapped in my glowing sheets
rolled back away to sleep
The moon shines on
Kabul
Soweto
and Pine Ridge too
I want to be on the moon
and wait for the earth
to rise
I love this, Mary Jo! I’m going to recite it aloud!!!
“I want to be on the moon
and wait for the earth
to rise”
I will be joining you.
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Thank you for commenting on my first ever blog post! Writing poetry over my long life has been mostly cathartic, but editing it a neverending and rewarding journey. I want to personally thank you and your blogging community for inspiring me to share my life and creativity. There will be dark moments shared too, since no life is without its shadows. In this world they go hand in hand. LAST NIGHT plays with these themes in ostensibly simple language. I try to employ vivid images and word play, and sometimes humor, to bring my story to life. Poetry is a form of autobiographical fiction.
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An expert, VERY evocative poem, Mary Jo!
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Thank you, Dave!
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The final lines have a yearning to them that speaks loudly – and I’m listening! I love that you’ll share your poetry here, Mary Jo 🙂 Cheering you on!
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Thanks Christy!
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There’s a beautiful, cyclical rhythm to this poem. It’s artful, profound and reflective (like the light) – contemplative. I love the quiet of it. You’ve inspired me!
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That’s wonderful! Inspiration is contagious.
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Well said, Courtnay!
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What a beautiful thought. Nature doesn’t discriminate, we do. If we can ascend spiritually, all will change. I really enjoy reading your thoughts
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Thank you for commenting. The same light shines on everyone!
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I heartily concur with the comments of your other readers. That second stanza was so unexpected in pulling me out of my usual way of thinking that it gave me a turn.
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Thank you, Liz! We often talk about the fact that the moon shines over the whole Earth, so I wanted to juxtapose my restful comfort with those who suffer deeply, under the same moon. In the first stanza, my use of the words “blinded,” “whitewashed,” and “sheets,” (wrappings like shrouds), are clues as to my abrupt exclamation that I want to be on the moon and watch the Earth “rise.”
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Your intent was realized very effectively.
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I have read your entire blog. Waiting wholeheartedly for a new post. Blessings always
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Thank you, Parneet, blessings in return!!
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Gunmen fired on a car in northern Kabul last month killing two female judges… so the notion of whitewashed walls puts me in mind of hiding from the reality of it all, namely the atrocities that are taking place all around us. It is difficult to have peace of mind when we pursue the truth, so I can relate with why you would like to be on the moon instead. Great poem, Mary, I appreciate your genius for this literary craft of yours, especially if it helps others to open their eyes and take action for what is good and noble. Love & light, Jason
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Thank you so very, very much, Jason.
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