I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

17 September 2011

Alteration

Low in the sky
the moon has lost
the top of her perfect circle.

Close by
is the only visible star.

Two streetlights
as if in reflection
sparkle, half hidden by trees.

Most of the houses are dark;
only two windows lit.

Despite their peaceful beauty,
I am a little uneasy
viewing these paired lights.

The still air seems expectant
with the certainty of change.

I write a haiku sequence
and realise I don’t even know
what is haiku any more.

I’ve moved into
a different space.

Quietly, without notice,
I am changed after all these nights
attending to the moon.

Reality and dream
evaporate. There is only poem.

Journalling my relationship with the moon:  19

 Submitted for Poets United's Poetry Pantry #136

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21 comments:

  1. laurie kolp17 September 2011 at 09:33

    Really enjoyed this... love the transformation.

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  2. Rosemary Nissen-Wade17 September 2011 at 11:12

    Laurie, I'm glad it spoke to you.

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  3. Mark10 February 2013 at 23:26

    "attending to the moon"

    The phrase is one of subservience, yet in that mistress-maid relationship, a transformation magically occurs. Lovely thought!

    Toothless Fadista

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade10 February 2013 at 23:39

      Thanks for the astute comment. I was meaning it more as 'paying attention to' in the sense of observation. However, I believe your interpretation was there to be found also.

      Delete
  4. Scarlet11 February 2013 at 00:16

    I like all the changing after being attentive to the moon ~

    Lovely reflection ~

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  5. Lisa Williams11 February 2013 at 00:24

    Beautiful!

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  6. Sherri B.11 February 2013 at 00:58

    Beautiful and intimate words...I enjoyed this.

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  7. Judy Roney11 February 2013 at 01:30

    Enjoyed reading this. Beautiful play with words.

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  8. Mary11 February 2013 at 01:47

    I love the way you have chronicled change here, Rosemary. The way writing (and life?) has evolved to there being 'only poem.'

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  9. LLM Calling11 February 2013 at 01:58

    really beautiful

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  10. aelfbee11 February 2013 at 01:58

    There is only poem and Rosemary, another pair of lights.

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  11. Kerry O'Connor11 February 2013 at 03:23

    I was enthralled from your first description of the moon. I believe that we never lose our fascination with the night sky and our relationship to it.

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  12. Sherry Blue Sky11 February 2013 at 05:49

    WOWZERS! One of my favorites of yours, Rosemary. "I am changed after all these nights attending to the moon" and "There is only poem." Fantastic writing, kiddo.

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  13. Audrey Howitt aka Divalounger11 February 2013 at 06:35

    I love the unexpectedness of this transformation--beautifully done!

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  14. Anonymous11 February 2013 at 06:55

    Ahh, this has depth and breath! It shows a beautiful transformation....and in the end....there is only, (always!) poem.

    This reminds me so much of Saigyo! His musings, reflections on the moon stirred some of the deepest passions in my reading.

    Yours, totally original....does also to me.

    Lady Nyo

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  15. Anonymous11 February 2013 at 08:07

    To me, the transformation of such a vibrant setting to "ah, it's only a poem, no lights here" was incredibly clever. Original piece, wonderful write.

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade11 February 2013 at 09:11

      Thanks Jack, glad you enjoyed it. But I have to say that I meant quite the opposite of 'it's only a poem'! Interesting interpretation, but I'm rejecting it. :)

      Delete
  16. Rosemary Nissen-Wade11 February 2013 at 09:09

    Thank you to everyone for the kind comments. As you see, it's not a new piece, but I thought it had merit. I'm glad you all agree.

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  17. Laura11 February 2013 at 10:28

    beautiful Rosemary...there is a loneliness here and a sense of finding peace as well.

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  18. Sharp Little Pencil11 February 2013 at 15:35

    Rosemary, this has an evolutionary quality about it. Love the paired lights... Then, "I've moved into a different space," after writing quite literally about "space" in terms of moon and stars, I quite liked that. Lovely. Amy
    http://sharplittlepencil.com/2013/02/07/dads-dynamic-deeds/

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  19. Anonymous11 February 2013 at 19:46

    oooh this was very nice - really enjoyed it :-)

    ReplyDelete

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