After The Eclipse

one from the archives

As shadows fall on attic walls

when sleep has lost all sense of time,

a view of moody ink blue sky

through angled plate glass where I lie,

alert though restless in my room.

At speed, cloud islands hurtle by,

a trail that splits the night in half.

Between their smoke-like dark grey veils,

see spangled sight of seven stars,

a plough suspended from afar.

Polaris winks as if to say

we are at rest, you've had the best.

Sun, moon and earth aligned and gave,

a diamond ring, a fine display.

A clever moon eclipsed the sun,

deserted him to then move on.

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Chris, your style of lyrically beautiful and graceful verse always puts me in mind of the work of Emily Dickinson. This eloquent, celestial observation in first person proves my point. Brilliant rhyme, cadence, personification, alliteration, metaphor...Your second verse leaves me in awe.... ahhhh one hundred perfect ”spangled sight of seven stars” for this master class poem! Kudos my gifted friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Annette I am so happy you liked this one. You are so very generous with your praise. I thank you.read moreAnnette I am so happy you liked this one. You are so very generous with your praise. I thank you.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

many of us have felt like this sun...eclipsed by a clever mate...deserted as that moon moves on...lighting up another's sky....
wonderful write here...love the "cloud islands hurtling by"

you do allegory so well.
j.

j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Jacob and for that lovely compliment. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

This is quite appropriate
I also lay awake for most of the night staring out the window
Fortunately I was rewarded by a lovely full moon, but no eclipse
Dave B

[Chris Shaw]

Well at least you had something nice to look at. Hope by the time you read this you have caught up with some sleep. Happy Monday and thanks for checking in Dave.

Chris

[Karmee]

so very nicely written, love your last two lines, awesome

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Korin for your thoughts and response. Much appreciated.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A very fine poem as always Chris and the description of the scene is sublime and captivating. The archives are obviously filled with treasures!

[Chris Shaw]

That depends whether you are an optimist or a pessimist John. I am beginning to think that there is probably only dross left in the chest :) Many thanks for your lovely review.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

A marvelous write on eclipses. I always look forward to watching them for the phenomenon is suspenseful and magical. I love how you build up to that moment with psychological details and then the finale. Your writes eclipse many.

[Chris Shaw]

What a positively encouraging review Sami. I think you have put me in orbit :) Really appreciate your kind words and visit.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure and enjoyment. You are always welcome.