A Desert Moon

Upon bent knee

I prayed for peace

As the desert wind did blow.

Blocking swirling sand

With a sunburned hand

I fell over time and again.

As the sun was setting

My hope was fading

Darkness ruled the land

But when the moon arose

And the stars did glow

I felt peaceful and serene.

Author's Note

There is something comforting about looking up at the moon and stars. It makes everything else seem inconsequential.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

Lovely piece using the moon as a symbol of peace; as darkness itself is a bit scary. Nice write

[Dara]

Thank you so much. The moon is definitely a source of inspiration. I could stare at it for hours. It is great to see you here.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks, lets be friends!

[Dara]

Absolutely :-)

[Fabian G. Franklin]

"Peaceful and serene" indeed. I remember the first time I saw the moon over the Senora Desert, big as a dinner plate and I could count the craters and mountains. It looked as though it might crash into the earth; so close and big and bright. The biggest I'd ever seen the moon was maybe the size of a fifty cent piece in the sky so it was sort of frightening and awe inspiring at the same time. I enjoyed your poem and the sense of calm serenity it brings. It brought back a favorite memory.

[Dara]

I can only imagine how you must have felt staring at the moon that size. It must have been breathtaking! I am so happy that my poem brought back such a wonderful memory. Yes, there is something magical about the moon. I try to capture an especially bright full one on camera but it is not the same. Better to keep it stored in my treasure box of memories. Thank You for sharing your experience with me.

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

It really does. Watching the stars & moon under the dark night sky really has its own amazing joy!
You portrait a wonderful desert moon picture for the readers. Well done Dara :)

[Dara]

Thank you so much for your warm review. It is great to see you here and your positive feedback just made my day!

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Touchwood.......

[R.E. Ray]

Dara, your poem speaks well to the power of perspective, and the value we gain when we can look up or away (maybe from our own hand), and see ourselves as part of a boundless universe. That’s particular valuable in an era of 24-hour news and social media, when we seem constantly inundated with misery, conflict and deception.

Your poem shows not only strength but wisdom and resilience. A fine poem and good lesson for all.

[Dara]

I am so very touched by your words. It is nice to know that we are not alone in our feelings regarding the news and state of the country, or world for that matter. I find comfort in your message as well. Yes, we are apart of a "boundless universe" as you say and looking up at the sky is a great reminder of that. Great to see you here!

[Gee]

A joy to read, simple words so, so well written. A wee bit jealous if truth be told :)
Hope you are well.

[Dara]

Thank you Gee! I wrote this out of frustration with the way our government is behaving these days! Your words definitely warm my tired achy heart. What better place and people to seek comfort from than fellow poets. I am doing better today and hope all is well with you too!

[barleygirl]

I love everything about your message . . . it feels minimally stated to me, but everything conjures up more thoughts to ponder in a reader's mind. I have spent my life pursuing nature as I try to forget humankind's mess of this world! It's as simple as that! Even tho you make it sound much more enchanting & magical! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Dara]

Yes, we humans tend to create havoc on what would otherwise be a peaceful, natural habitat. I do so appreciate your words and thoughts about the content. Sometimes I look at the moon and it is hard to find just the right ones but to add "enchanting and magical" definitely make up the perfect description. So nice to see you here, Margie. :-)

[Einstein Noodle]

it sure does Dara! i am up very early and my dog Beauregard and, until recently, my dear Bella take me outside in the wee hours .. while attending dog business i stand gazing and breathing in .. and it is so as your say ... everything else is inconsequential ... first three verses put me in the scene and the swirling sand and sunburned hand especially impact the experience ... i notice that L3 in each verse end with iambic rhythm but closing line is two strong syllables .. at least that is how it seems to me .. and it causes me to really stop and sit on the serene .. makes me appreciate that calm and peace even more ... but i am no rhythm expert and probably all wet with that ;) i could read this poem during and after the storm and benefit from its wisdom
E.

[Dara]

Hello and thank you my friend! I can just see you out there with your four legged companions contemplating the night sky. You mentioned 'until recently Bella' and I am so sorry for you loss. I have an elder dog myself and realize that she soon will be crossing that "Rainbow Bridge." In my mind there is no better companion! Thank you for another wonderful review. Your words always hold so much meaning and I appreciate the critique. I actually debated on using 'bended' instead of 'bent' knee but according to the internet 'bended' is archaic and should not be used. What do you think? As far as rhythm I just write what comes to mind. Maybe should take up a workshop or two. We are never too old to learn, eh? Have a wonderful day!

[Einstein Noodle]

never too old for sure ... i am taking my 5th MOOC (Massive open on-line course) offered free from the U of Iowa ... great stuff! thank you for you empathy about our Bella ... its been several weeks now and Norma and I are still not wrapping our brains around "gone" ... she peeks around corners through the corners of our eyes ... and sends out her barks through routines ingrained ... God bless you and your dog, Dara ... i think either word choice works ... you have a strong natural gift of rhyme and rhythm ... and like i say ... probably just the way i am emphasizing ... those classes have helped me but like it is written (somewhere) a little knowledge can be dangerous ;)))))))))))))))

[jacob erin-cilberto]

there is something special about them...
the daytime chaos absorbed by the soft night's glow.
lovely piece,
j.

[Dara]

Your comment is poetic in its own right. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. Yes, I always find the moon has a certain hold on me, especially the full ones. Have a great day!