A Crow's Moon

….for a friend dying of cancer...

A Crow’s Moon

 

 

A half-eaten Canwapehainu Wi

shone too brightly for the stars

to be seen.

As I sat on the back porch,

taking in the cool Autumn air,

my mind wandered

to the poems

found in Spoon River Anthology.

Strange wanderings

you may think,

but I saw the names

chiseled on the stones:

Elmer, Kate, Herman, Ella,

Bert, Maggie, Lizzie, Charley,

just to name a few.

They spoke to me

from where ever they’ve gone.

They spoke in tones of the dead,

but with shades of shadow

and the way Crows

seem to circle the moon

at midnight.

 

Down by Willow Creek

the Crows roost in the Willow,

watching me,

waiting for me to follow

where ever they may lead.

But my heart,

seared as it is,

sees only leaves falling,

hears the Crows whisper:

“Canwapehainu Wi,

the moon of falling leaves,

does not portend death,

but life.

These names carved in stone

are alive with passion,

are balanced.

Fear not death

young warrior,

embrace the life that is left,

in the same way

the moon is full,

then wans again.”

 

Life is fragile,

cut short too often,

remembered only

by names carved in stone.

Life

Death

each a part of the diversity,

and continuity

of humanity.

 

But angry, I ask the moon,

these Crows;

why then are both so damn hard?

 

Aztec Warrior/redzone 10.18.18

Author's Note

...thanks for reading....

Reviews

[barleygirl]

What friend would not feel supremely honored by such a poem? I'm sorry you are writing it for such a reason, tho. I love your Native nuances, which makes me want to write a poem with some similar ideas that have been pecking bright holes in my moonless nights. I love how your message honors the way we try to nobly celebrate a life . . . yet also there's the side that's crumpled in pain & resistance (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Lyn Anderson]

Lovely and emotionally raw piece. I feel it, and am sorry for you and your friend.

[redzone]

thank you Lyn, I appreciate your comment, it really does mean a lot to me...

[Lyn Anderson]

you are welcome.

[Sami Khalil]

As Muhammad Ali said:" Don't count the days, let the days count.". You guide us in the right direction for those who can't see the fullness of life, what offers are on the horizons and where to touch things deeply. Those who have passed, vacated some space but not memories. They are alive and worthy. You poetry is reliving those great Native souls.

[redzone]

thanks you Sami for these kind words and the truths they speak.... I am happy that my words for a good friend has touched you...

you are much appreciated Sami...

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure. You are welcome...

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, why is life so damned hard? Those names carved in stone mean something to someone....or they did. The stone keeps safe the precious memories that might mean nothing to the casual passerby. Just as "the moon is full then wanes again", we are only here for a short time. We have to make it count. I think by writing, we do. Just my opinion of course! :) Your Native American poetry is always extremely well written. So very "nice", Curt. Lydi**

[redzone]

making our life count and fighting until the last breath for it, is one of the greatest things we can do Lydi, it makes the names carved in stone even more than just a memory, but also adds to the nature of humanity.... especially in hard times like these...

I truly appreciate your words and thoughts here Lydi and take the "nice" into me and hold it close... thank you...

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Curt... we had a new moon all day... a blue sky with no clouds but we could clearly see the new moon high in the sky. Two days ago I filled the bird feeders with sunflower 🌻 sunflower seeds. The Cardinals and Blue Jays were so happy! The Spirits play a part in all we do... I do believe. Your poetry speaks a language that I understand. truly, Pat. The Moon is set to put on a real Show in January 2019.

[redzone]

yes, Patricia, a full blood wolf moon eclipse Sunday and Monday (20th/21st)…. we may not see it here in Pa due to winter storm Harper...

thank you for your kind words and wisdom, both are appreciated Patricia...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, life and death so hard...and living without the friends and family who go before us...it tends to make us angry...and full of so many questions...such a moving poem.
j.

[redzone]

he is a good man, my friend who shared with me many bowls of udon noodles and talk of poetry and art continues to fight for his life... showing the spirit of human beings to hold on even against great odds....

thanks Jacob for your words here, means a lot