Almost full tonight

Leaving is always hard

 

 

Almost full tonight

 

 

 

My lady leaves her lamp light burning

 

I stand, a gravel driveway rough to the touch,

looking back towards an illumined dream

as her silhouette dances on the paper shade,

flowing hair in dark shadows,

unsuspecting emotions sift beneath a mid-night canopy

If I listen closely her voice sings,

breaking the silence which finds me waning

in the dust and flowered reaches

of this eternal road ahead

 

Praying for my safe return

 

The key finds the ignition, some old habit echoes

without thought, alone to turn and teach

This journey, far removed the interstate,

beyond these dash board lights,

calls in undiluted terms and pulls my heart

Asphalt collects my low beams,

flooding my sided visions with blurred darkness

and borderlines of fallen leaves  

shimmering under a three quarter moon

 

I can see for miles and miles beneath its light

 

I miss her, I do desperately miss her

Just barely past the Dairy Queen

at the lone traffic light sitting

a bright glowing red at this ungodly hour

She by now is asleep, smiling, peaceful

as I am alone on the street and in my heart,

an empty beat fills as I leave my love behind

Peering through this dirty windshield at the night sky

Stars collect my thoughts

 

And the moon is almost full tonight

 

 

Author's Note

The italicized lines are lyrics from the Mike McClure song, "The Moon is Almost Full Tonight." Mike comes from Oklahoma and his genre of music is called Red Dirt. If you get a chance, give him a listen. This guy is a true poet, lyrically and musically. The photo is Mike at Flores Country Store in Helotes Texas.

Reviews

[Astro]

You've given the reader some great descriptions beginning with those first few lines on down the 'lane'. The metaphors of light and the road 'lead' the reader along that dusty lonely journey away from love, but keeping an eye on that rearview mirror where ghosts shine a light pale and glowing. Well done, the lyrics added a nice touch. You've worked them well into your own design.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Astro. Your review adds more than the poem ever could.

[Astro]

I have my moments, but in reviews they're usually a reflection of the source material.

[TL Boehm]

Do you remember the song - By the time I get to Phoenix? This brings that back to me. I always felt a sadness for the girl in that song - and this brings that same feeling back. You set a solid atmosphere in this . Love the asphalt collecting low beams - great phrase there.

[Jack...]

I do remember that song, Glen Campbell. Thanks so much my friend.

[Ravyne Hawke]

This is a gorgeous write, Jack.. I love the lyrics in italics.. I wondered their special meaning as I read.. they really framed each stanza. The story you tell is bittersweet.. the longing is strong in this piece. The one stop light and Dairy Queen references reminded me of the town I grew up in. Small towns always have those special feels to them and you gave this one a lot of character. The love.. the need.. she is an incredible muse... beautiful work, Jack!

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much Lori. Mike McClure is one of my favorite artists and his lyrics always seem to inspire me.

[Mark]

The words paint scenes from a love story. Very nice.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Mark.

[Angel]

And I want to dance!! A two step? A waltz? I don't care! I wanna dance!!
For some reason, tonight I am hearing music in my head...and I want to dance!
Dance with me, Jack! LOL...I'll even let you lead...

[Jack...]

I'm ready my friend, got my dancing shoes on. Thanks so much sweet Angel.

[Dr. Wood ?]

I'll look Mike up

as for the poem Jack..You write a mean lyric yourself my friend

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much my friend.

[Frieda P]

I wrote a review for this one last night and apparently the gremlins ate it or something....

Pleasurable memories mixed with bittersweet longing. Love the last verse, 'stars collects my thoughts', &
'as her silhouette dances on the paper shade' were my favorites. What no music?

[Jack...]

Sorry, no music, but it is a thought. You'll have to tell me again how to do it. :) Thanks so much my sweet friend. Happy you enjoyed this and happy to see you here.

[Pryde Foltz]

An almost surreal write with a little realism to ground it. Really liked this, Jack.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Pryde, happy you stopped by and enjoyed my poem.

[Emerald Seas]

This brought a melancholy smile as I read it. Goodbyes are definitely hard, traveling the rough road away from what you want to run toward. You painted the picture perfectly, a bit of the south/cowboy feel to it. Loved it!

[Jack...]

Thanks Y'all. :) Thank you so much Sirrah. Always it makes me happy to travel into work each morning and find your reviews. Long roads sometimes do have happy endings.

[Emerald Seas]

That was so sweet! Glad to ave brought a bright spot to your day!
I hope you have fantastic weather and fun filled plans for your weekend. Popped in to read your comments. I'm off to relax with some co-workers and decompress from our crazy past few weeks ;)

[Emerald Seas]

to *have* brought...
It appears I miss a key stroke or two every time I post from my tablet! ;P

[Sami Khalil]

This one has a great southern flare to it like the dirt roads , gravel roads , Dairy queen , pick up trucks , three quarter moons becoming full and maybe throw in there a southern Belle...
A splendid read and write Jack...:)

[Jack...]

Sami, you have the southern belle from what I hear. :) Thank you so much my good friend.

[Sami Khalil]

Hahaha...So true...You are welcome...:)