Poetry Friday — The Moon

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The other morning as I set out for an early morning run, I suddenly felt the glow of daylight on my shoulders.
I turned to face the moon, hugely swollen and sinking into the west like a well-lit ship.
Rocking ever so slightly on it’s bright bow.

Turns out it wasn’t even full yet.
Tonight it is, and closer to earth than its been in about 15 years.

It looks something like this, but don’t take my word for it.

Step outside and check it out.

In the meantime, or when you get back in, here’s what Ms. Dickinson has to say on the subject:

The moon was but a chin of gold
A night or two ago,
And now she turns her perfect face
Upon the world below.

Her forehead is of amplest blond;
Her cheek like beryl stone;
Her eye unto the summer dew
The likest I have known.

Her lips of amber never part;
But what must be the smile
Upon her friend she could bestow
Were such her silver will!

And what a privilege to be
But the remotest star!
For certainly her way might pass
Beside your twinkling door.

Her bonnet is the firmament,
The universe her shoe,
The stars the trinkets at her belt,
Her dimities of blue.

— Emily Dickinson

The universe her shoe.
Don’t you just love that line? 
So little and large, all at the same time.

Go wallow in the luster, friends.
Happy Friday…

42 Responses to “Poetry Friday — The Moon”

  2. saralholmes

    15 years? No wonder. I went out to pick up sushi like I do on Friday nights, and I could hardly keep my eyes on the road. I might go back out and dance or something.

  3. alison23

    The moon looked more amazing tonight than I’ve ever seen it look! I tried to take some pictures of it, but they didn’t work at all. The moon looked tiny in them somehow, when it looked huge in real life! But I appreciate your post. 🙂

    It was great seeing you at lunch today…thanks again for suggesting it!

    • liz_scanlon

      Yes. I think photos don’t do it justice. You need to see it sitting on the horizon like a fat, bright hen to really grasp it…

      (Good to see you, too!)

  4. cloudscome

    I saw that on the news,that the moon was particularly close last night. I am afraid it was too cold for me to go out though. Maybe tonight!

  5. Anonymous

    I saw the moon rising as I was out walking with Baby E and then again as it was setting the next morning. I stood in the yard and just marvelled at it.

    hok

  6. Anonymous

    TadMack says: : )

    It’s been peeking out between the rainclouds — truly gorgeous.

  9. Anonymous

    I’m a little crazy about the moon… probably more than a little. I started making Travis really pay attention about 6 months ago- made him go out in the front yard with me and stare up at the sky. He started texting me in the evenings before I got to his house- “Have you seen the moon tonight?? She’s beautiful!” He told me he understood what I meant, the draw of her. So he’d fallen madly in love. Friday after the funeral we all sat outside with that heavy moon casting shadows. In Arlington there was a ring- 6 inches out on either side- like nothing I’ve ever seen. It was all just too incredible.
    Beautiful post, Liz.