I stand on winter’s crippling strand

An Owl on the Moon - July

Pale and clouded, lying motionless;

winter’s fury, summer’s flame.

Faded faces, speaking shrilly,

wrestling, stalking in my mind.

Rising, weeping in a corner;

laughing, racing in a field.

Still and stable, screeching silence;

crawling age and creeping years.

I stand on winter’s crippling strand,

staring and shaking by the sight

of embering photos in a drawer,

bathed in memory’s dying dust.

And yet this moment I have peace,

for hope is seared inside my soul.

 

Author's Note

An Owl on the Moon - July

Reviews

[θεά]

Cuts you right through the heart. Your writes have a surreal and mesmerising quality to them. This being no different, the allegory to hope here is quite different from the usual writes.

Impressive.
Best,
M.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

I especially love the last 6 lines dont ask me why must be because of the embered dusty photos in the drawer i love any poem with photos and memories and dusty memories which you delivered very well along with the season.
i love your poem

[An owl on the moon]

I understand... elements of words or lines that speak in a deeper place in us. I've been going through a lot of boxes lately, filled with photos. I am so grateful for your lifting words today.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

thankyou i have boxes too and all my dear mums albums stored in my cupboard i cant get through them all not enough hours in the day week year im afraid but i know i have them tucked safely away
photos are precious more precious than those on a computer, i lost a whole lot of pictures when a laptop broke there were hundreds pictures of mum and family etc but i still have the memories in my heart thanks for your lovely poem

[An owl on the moon]

Yes, oh yes, many of these are from my mum and dad... people i don't even know, but my mind wishes it did. They are, true, very precious memories to cling to. But oh so sorry in the loss of those images.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

well its a legacy to get all the albums like you have or boxes of pics its a legacy from them to us great honour to have whether you knew some in thepics or not it doesnt matter it shows their time here with other friends etc.

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

I've tasted hope...it's sweet and sticky on the lips but never lasts long enough for my tastes. Fall is nearing and then winter. Maybe I should put some in a jar to last. I have to rush off, for I am late as usual, but I shall return for more tea and cookies later. Thank you my wonderland friend!

[An owl on the moon]

Queenie of Wonderland, how gracious that your shadow would fall here. Yes, hope is rather a slippery white rabbit I am afraid, late as well for a very important date, I imagine. See you soon!

[Rye]

bathed in memory’s dying dust.
And yet this moment I have peace,
for hope is seared inside my soul.

Awesome words here, This write has a deep twinge to it. It spawns inward at the soul. SO nicely written and presented.

[An owl on the moon]

Thank you so much for stopping to read my words, and for your uplifting presence.

[Just Kim]

bathed in memory’s dying dust.
And yet this moment I have peace,
for hope is seared inside my soul.

Love this part, this is such a gripping write here.
very nicely presented

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Lovely last lines. I love the scenario this piece creates. How some moments and photos ignite memories. ..

[An owl on the moon]

I always appreciate your presence here, dear Yumna, like those vivid tulips that rise in a winter garden. Thank you. And how I hope your life's box is ever overflowing with sweet memory moments.

[Dr. YumnaKay]

You're welcome, Craig. So hope the same for you. x

[An owl on the moon]

With friends like you, I have no doubt. x

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I love winter, being born just days before Christmas. I don't like the ice but I love the brisk bite of cold mornings. Then there is, "The winter of our discontent..." a cold unhappiness that fills the souls of some, even at the Christmas season. I enjoyed the read.

[An owl on the moon]

Thank you so much, Fabian. Very glad to have you by my page again, in summer or winter.

[barleygirl]

The best part of your poem is the way you select dynamic verbs, which makes your message very dynamic & powerful. At first I was thinking about "winter" as being a season of deprivation (regardless of what month of the year). Then I began to read your poem as "winter" being the late part of one's life, like where I am now. The last two lines -- what I relate to most -- being old brings an organic peace. We stop fretting about stupid stuff becuz wasting time becomes ever more unacceptable. Love this poem! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[An owl on the moon]

Ah, Margie, what a joy to read your comments! You are an uplifting ocean of love and light for us all here. Truly. And it's true about the winter of our lives, taking us into a deep place of peace away from so many petty things that used to weight us down. (((HUGS))) Craig

[barleygirl]

I'm honored & touched *smile*

[Chris Shaw]

This poem has a haunting quality and provides some strong imagery. A great composition.

Chris

[An owl on the moon]

Thank you so much Chris. Appreciate your kindness.

[Chris Shaw]

I was drawn back to this piece today, for a second read. First class poetry.

[Neville]

Hauntingly good if you ask me.........N

[An owl on the moon]

So appreciate your spirit's presence here.. C

[Neville]

my sincere pleasure.... Neville