An Ancient Byway

A full moon 
over the ocean
reveals for miles;
an ancient byway
used by the gods.
If you follow it,
it will lead you 
to enlightenment,
or so they say. 
Many a sailor 
has tried to follow its course
only to lose their way
with the dawning of the day.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we seem to find our way better by moonlight...when the day comes, and the sun rises we seem so lost...maybe too much knowledge is dangerous?

i really like the openness of this and were it can lead the reader...in the one line near the end, should be "follow its course"

i think night time is the right time...

exquisite...

j.

[James]

Thanks for the correction I'll fix that immediately, my editor must be slacking. (actually, that's an embarrassing mistake, so thank you again) And I agree night time is the right time, at least it's my most productive. Thanks for the read and the grammatical help.

[barleygirl]

There's nothing as breathtaking as seeing the full moon reflect on the ocean, which seems to be "an ancient byway" that "reveals for miles" . . . I love this opening scenario, very relatable. I also enjoy your juxtaposition between enlightenment & losing one's way . . . both are distinct possibilities, when entranced by the lunar magic. Nice bit of fantasy & reality woven together.

[James]

Thanks so much. I'm glad you liked it.

[Pryde Foltz]

Not sure how well sailors do on asphalt ... should have took the coast line. Great write, James:)

[James]

Yea, maybe. I wonder if byway would work better... sounds a little more ancient and unused.

[Pryde Foltz]

Yea it would and it would knit the metaphor closer ... I do believe they speak of sea by-ways:)

[Ananya]

Many times, we find such moonlit highways to enlightenment but mostly choose to ignore. Beautifully woven imagery. I like it much.

[James]

Sad isn't it? Thanks for reading this.

[Ananya]

It is sad, indeed.