Gripping the sidesof the plastic boat,tight in her father’s armsfor now, a little one looks upand prays that the crescent moonshould toss down an anchor,signalling land.
The same crescent moonis spied by my daughterthrough her bedroom window,high above the backyard maple,upon which to makea young girl’s fervent wishbefore I tuck her in.
Goodnight, moon.
#16 of 30 Poems in November to benefit Center for New Americans.
Heartrending, Marian. I used to feel the same way, tucking my babies into their fluffy blankets, and thinking of all the children, not even very far away, whose bedtimes were so very different.
ReplyDeleteAn inspired and grateful baby remembers the bright and lighted moon just before falling asleep.Less likelihood of a disturbed sleep! Wonderful lines Marian!
ReplyDeleteHank
I often think about how individual histories all play out under the same moon.. that two little girls should have such different stories is heart-breaking, especially as children are made the unwitting victims of adults' inability to exist together peaceably.
ReplyDeletemakes me think of the refugees, risking all. oh, that the moon could throw down an anchor!
ReplyDeleteExactly, on their plastic boats.
DeleteThe moon is always neutral, but I would hope it could be a mirror from one little girl to the other... those at sea need the warmth the most.
ReplyDeletehow effective to incorporate the children's book at the end
ReplyDeleteLoved the cinematic elements of this. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love the two sides of the moon~ Life is like this and you captured the worry and the wonder~
ReplyDeleteWell done
Damn. That is incredible. So much said so gently I love it!
ReplyDeleteFear and dreams look upon the same moon. It is heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteA mother's love is the refuge for both daughters at the far ends of this tale, and we pray it will always be enough.
ReplyDeleteThe worlds between these two wishes are heart wrenching. May the first girl find a safe harbor so all the rest of her wishes will be just the ordinary stuff of childhood.
ReplyDeleteThe same moon witnesses all the events of life. This poem could inspire an interesting painting. Enjoyed!
ReplyDelete