to,
fro,
or maybe it was just the Colt 45.
The moon used to cradle me in her curve while I slept--
she always whispered,
"Little girl,
take this silver dollar
and buy a ticket home to me."
Texas Jim rang my head--
to,
fro,
or maybe it was just the December wind.
I would leave here, head south,
if only I could stand up.
The moon used to cradle me in her curve while I slept--
she always whispered,
"Little girl,
take this silver dollar
and buy a ticket home to me."
Christmas bells ring my head--
to,
fro,
echoing in the alley between the churches--
I would come to Jesus
sure enough,
if only I could stand up.
_____
for Real Toads OLM
I love the repetition in this poem. The "trick" you played (at least on me) as I expected "valley" and got "alley" instead.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you're back to cracking the whip with those spirits of yours.
I, too, like the repitition. I hope you are having a great holiday, Shay!
ReplyDeleteThis has a tiny twist of coal black floating in the mixer--just enough to keep it real--I've always thought that line about the moon being inconstant was hooey--she changes expressions but never her self--she fades and dwindles but she always comes back. Much more subtle and authentic than always being shiny and hot. A fine sad note ringing out here, to and fro.
ReplyDeleteThe end of a year requires one to see beyond the festivities to the fact that a new year is about to make its demands - no wonder the speaker longs for the promises of the past and suffers the ennui of present.
ReplyDeletememories or nightmares from the past...
ReplyDeleteEffective use of repetition...I like the poignancy "if only I could stand up"
ReplyDeletenice...love the refrain shay...cradled in the moon sounds like a lovely place to be...and love her beckon as well...feels a bit sombre....
ReplyDeletechilling stuff.esp the colt.45.loved the to and fro swing.brilliant again.
ReplyDeleteA standing ovation for the repeated line "if only I could stand up"!
ReplyDeleteDamn, this is cool! Lonely, earthy . . . I love it!
ReplyDeleteSo much of life would change if only we would ignore
ReplyDelete"If only."
Well written, thought - provoking poem.
great write here! I love the repeated stanza - "
ReplyDeleteThe moon used to cradle me in her curve while I slept--
she always whispered,
"Little girl,
take this silver dollar
and buy a ticket home to me."
it's poignant - but powerful and emancipatory and free in a way too - nice!
you are a true poet, Shay
ReplyDeleteAloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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The last stanza is...well, it's perfect, Shay.
ReplyDeleteHope your Christmas was extra merry for both you and Bosco.
I love the Moonlady and reading this was like a soothing lullaby to her. Thank you for sharing your words, Shay. It is no small thing. xo
ReplyDeletegosh, that photo took me straight to Georges Melies (and the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret) and rooted me in a particular space to receive these words. whoosh.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful , both poem and image.
ReplyDeleteChurch, Jesus, the moon, drink-everyone's looking for something to come home to. Poignant write, Shay.
ReplyDelete"I would come to Jesus
ReplyDeletesure enough,
if only I could stand up."
you'd think Jesus would go to those who can't stand up.
great song, too.
♥
Fascinating how the image, music and your poem worked in tandem ... yes, another gem.
ReplyDelete