Friday, February 04, 2011

Pilot Light Moon


Pilot Light Moon

The old woman wakes in the full moon night
to the sound of a cat
bird in the lemon tree.

Feet on the floor, glasses
found, outside
into the dim lit hills.

Above, Cassiopeia,
beneath, dry leaves, the scrape of bricks
against bare soles.
Within, a flame flares
as if her feet were a match against the rough.

Past the well
around the pond
into the woods where
under the branches of the ancient maple
where the squirrel sleeps
she lies on a bed of moss
and dreams.

photo courtesy of Willow. Read more poems and stories based on this photo at Magpie Tales.

13 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Such nice warm thoughts for such a cold winters day. THat bed of moss would be most comforting.

Leslie Avon Miller said...

as if her feet were a match against the rough.

Love that image of ignition of the flame created by walking on the rough.

Robin said...

Beautiful, poignant - yet - hopeful. I like the imagery very much.

Love to you, O Poetess,and to Bibs!

♥ Robin ♥

Katiejane said...

Very mysterious. Did she sleep well out there? What drew here there? What woke her? So many questions here.

Lynn Cohen said...

When I read this outloud it really comes to life! Love all the imagery and the texture to this poem.

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Is this you going to the pond wishing for dry warm weather to sleep in the moss? :)

Suz said...

and?!!
What drew her out there
Why did she sleep on the moss
under the stars
I want more of this bewitching tale

studio lolo said...

I echo the others. Wonderful imagery! But I'm left wondering what drew her there as well. Mmm, nice mystery!

sukipoet said...

sounds like the poem is leaving some folks wanting more clarity or something. I do think it is a bit awkward. for me the image of her feet as a match is strong. I write most of these poems with little revision and so post them as first drafts. Not that I am big into revising at the moment. I am letting them be their awkward selves.

Marion said...

I'd love to find a bed of moss under an ancient maple tree. You've made it sound as if it was the most comfortable bed ever!

"Within, a flame flares
as if her feet were a match against the rough." I'm not even sure why I love this line...but I do!

Have a warm and safe weekend, Suki!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. You are very good at imagery.

kj said...

i'm with marion.

suki, the sense and sound of her soles (souls) is mysterious and compelling.

i always like to read your poetry. thank you


kj

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Feels like the season, nice to be warm...mossy, dim moon.