In the quiet
splendor of a predawn morn
the moon gilds the hoophouse in shiny opulence.
Lace-riven cloud formations circle the sky
with the moon at their apex high above the earth
circling quiet, like a giant snow globe.
How could anyone have ever thought this world flat?
And I, an inconsequential ant of a being
invade the quiet on a shuffle across the snow
in my husband’s boots and a hand-me-down coat
and my daddy’s hat with the flashlight
of my mother’s trepidation
in my pocket just in case.
the moon gilds the hoophouse in shiny opulence.
Lace-riven cloud formations circle the sky
with the moon at their apex high above the earth
circling quiet, like a giant snow globe.
How could anyone have ever thought this world flat?
And I, an inconsequential ant of a being
invade the quiet on a shuffle across the snow
in my husband’s boots and a hand-me-down coat
and my daddy’s hat with the flashlight
of my mother’s trepidation
in my pocket just in case.
How's your life today on Planet Earth? the poets at What't Going On? ask. "Those of us who write frequently might give ourselves a break on days when we simply show up."
As I once heard a wise person say, half of life is showing up."
21 comments:
I am smiling. I love this poem so much! The "ant of a being", the husband's boots and coat, the father's hat, the flashlight of your mother's concern..........a glimpse of a walk across a yard, that tells so much more about a life. Absolutely a delight to read and envision with all of the wonderful imagery!
I love the clever ending.
Enjoyed the sense of being an invisible presence watching her, caught up in vision and mood of your words.
Yvonne,
A very placid image influenced by dawn's moonlight and those cloud formations.
It's easy to let imagination delve into poetic words..
Your use of imagery works so well in this piece. I don't know how anyone could've thought the earth flat but, they did.
That close with the boots and hat and flashlight connecting the narrator with other people works so wonderfully...
Rajani,
Thanks! It seems those closing lines are what draws one in. The concrete images always work best.
Truedessa,
Yes, they certainly did. Mind boggling. Thanks!
Eileen,
Thanks so much. It was one of those moments when I was awake and paying attention!
Anthony,
Thank you - as always- so much!!
Fireblossom,
Thanks! I liked that too. My grip on the flashlight....just in case.
Sherry,
Thank you so much. And thanks for the prompt and the opportunity to share my walk.
"the moon gilds the hoophouse in shiny opulence"
"How could anyone have ever thought this world flat?"
Marvelous poem! You make it round, you spiral through it in this moment of the day, bringing your memories with you in your attire.
Hi Susan,
Thank you. I remember looking up and thinking it was like a snow globe, and of course, round!!
Thanks for commenting too. I appreciate it.
A lovely poem, a winter's night, with all that you need to cross the snow. annell
I felt the quiet in this poem, and I really liked the picture of you walking wearing your unique winter attire with flashlight of your mother's trepidation. It made me think of the big inherited boots I wear on snowy days to tromp outside to take my dog out & my dad's wool jacket that used to hang on a back hall rack a long time after he died. Enjoyed the imagery of the moon and clouds as well.
Annell, Thanks so much!
Mary,
Thank you. I'm glad you connected that way with my jaunt across the snow, yes, all those inherited clothes. I can still see the closet by the back door that always held, what he called, his barn clothes. Along with extra gloves and hats and flannel shirts. Still see it.
This is a feast of imagery. I can see everything in my minds eyes... and love it.
Such a delight to read this poem! Among all the beautiful images I can't forget this one, the moon looking like : "a giant snow globe"....
Magaly,
Thanks!!
Sumana,
Oh, thank you so much. Our writings bring back such vivid memories. I would have surely forgotten that moment if I hadn't written it down.
Just in case. I like that very much. Thank you Aloha!
You weave words beautifully!
All is well here - although more sunshine would be welcome!
A lovely poem, Yvonne. The tone, rhythm, phrasing ... my favorite line [ my daddy’s hat with the flashlight of my mother’s trepidation ] made me think of my own parents. The mystery traded his yacht in several years later .. now a Broadway and London Stage producer, in addition an executive position with The Metropolitan Opera. Quite the guy and I appreciate that I have known him since 1982, the year we walked into a large travel agency, first day of work for each of us. I went on to running the agency as President in 1994, his life journey in another direction, he was destined for.
Cloudia
Aloha!! Thank you.
Jemi,
Thanks so much. You do too. We never get enough sunshine this time of year. That makes us appreciate it all the more, come spring.
Helen,
Thank you!! What a grand time you must've had, making memories to last a lifetime. And such an interesting acquaintance. Lucky woman!
Dear Yvonne, I love old bookstores and sharp pencils too:-) Loved your image of shuffling through the snow in oversized boots.
Lovely to look at your website this morning. Thank you for sharing your watery element with us x
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