The moon has no opinion but
I wonder if the klansmen
see it more in white than silver.
The moon can just observe
the burning torches and reflect
without our shiver.
I wonder if the moon remembers
how ropes been used,
and hope that moon will shine
a little less until it’s over.
Death (Lynched Figure) by Noguchi Isamu
Linked to Kerry’s prompt at toads. Ten lines on uncomplicated things. It should be easy to condemn the Klan, and maybe the moon knows it. I will also link it to Poetry Pantry tomorrow.
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August 19, 2017
I like how you refer to the moon as a witness especially here; “The moon can just observe the burning torches and reflect without our shiver” .. Powerfully written.
The moon can just observe
the burning torches and reflect
without our shiver.
A neutral position is nigh on impossible these days. This may have been a quick write but the images are stark and the commentary on point. Thanks, Bjorn.
This is brilliant and captivating poetry.
These are my favorites:
“I wonder if the klansmen
see it more in white than silver.”
“and hope that moon will shine
a little less until it’s over”
Really incredible concept. So insightful and on point.
We are quick to condemn anything with which we disagree. I like that the moon is neutral because really, it doesn’t give damn how we humans feel about things. It just sets and rises and looks over the world at our foolishness. An excellent write.
A fine piece of poetry, Bjorn. Great image too.
I hope so too Björn, but alas, humankind will (continue to) light the night with their beacons of hate…
Anna :o]
I shudder to think how many were hung beneath a bright moon – A relevant poem for these crazy times!
I wonder if the moon sees how how far we have come and how far we have yet to go
It is hard, at 72, to see the klan rising again, like we have been set back 70 years. If i were the moon, i would shine less in response.
71. I nearly lost a year. Whew! LOL.
Very moving and powerful reflections.
No the moon won’t take a side.. she will just keep doing what she’s doing.. the world is upside down and being torn apart..she’ll just keep shining like the night is glowing.
The moon will shine no less yet human mind will be darker & without even the star light. Sigh.
The sparsity of language really highlights this poem – great write
It’s true, the moon has no opinion, she just reflects the sun. I especially like the lines:
‘The moon can just observe
the burning torches and reflect
without our shiver’.
We should know we are in trouble when the moon hides her face from us so often. It is sad when we see that hate starts taking foothold again using the past as crutch.
What a moving poem, Björn. I take comfort in the fact that the moon seems rather indifferent to the ignorance of man — for one day nature will carry on without us, and another species will rise to the top of the pyramid. We can only hope that they are better at learning from their mistakes than humans have been.
Powerfully penned Bjorn. If only more humans were able to be witness instead of pulled by emotional reactions we might be in less of a predicament.
Bjorn, this is really a strong poem, which gives me a gulp. Actually a favorite of yours in recent times. Whew…. I am sure that the moon remembers the Klan from earlier times & remembers those ropes (and weeps). I am sure as well that the Klan sees a white moon. No shadows at all. Pure, and only, white!
Isn’t it sad, maybe even terrifying, that these gruesome images persist?
“Bad Moon Rising” oh yes! But as you say, the moon is a neutral object. But I like when tears come from clouds that block its shine.
The moon is a witness to where hidden darkness lurks. The moon and tides remember.
You make “living” easy…I wonder?
This is amazing: the all seeing, the watchfulness , every action is recorded whether we like it or not
much love…
What a powerful write, Bjorn, and the accompanying art is stunning. Thank you.
Whoa! Never associated “Bad moon on the rise” like that!
Whatever the intent of this piece was… it worked.
“…moon will shine a little less until it’s over…”. I’m afraid the moon will be cloaked a long time in America. Really powerful, Bjorn.
powerful, haunting…and no, the moon doesn’t give a damn.
A chilling image mixed with a perfect song from CCR…capturing the helpless feeling we all have watching these evil people parade around with their hate.
The constancy of the moon is such an impactful image. Writers often tend to romanticize it, in a lantern-of-the-world kind of way, but in actuality – as you so brilliantly make the case here – the moon presides (and has eternally presided over) manifold dark times.
This is a wonderful poem, Bjorn, about some terrible times here. Yes the Moon only observes, or does it. She is going to hide the Sun tomorrow in the U.S. Perhaps she will just leave it that way.
I love the song and read the Lyrics to “Bad Moon Rising” song by Creedence Clearwater Revival as it played. It used to play on my radio several times a day. Thank you.
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Yes, a wonderful poem! Perhaps not so much uncomplicated as uncompromising. And I too love tis song by this band.
Very poignant, Bjorn, I love the harshness of asking the light to shine a little less.
Oh my, Lord knows what all the moon witnesses. Somehow somewhere the deeds of men are all recorded.
It should be easy to condemn these things. Very vivid poem. Thanks.
Powerful