Waxing Crescent Moon

My Hometown Poem #114

The moon had just been full
the night before you died,
beaming so brightly I had to 
look away. I could not bear 
the brilliance of the glowing sky. 

By your birthday the moon 
had emptied itself inside out, 
the night sky hollow. I looked
to the heavens for reason
or direction, but clouds covered 
the stars.

Time will heal, they say, but
I disagree. Time simply passes
and the moon keeps moving
in her phases, pulling us
along from shadow to light.

Today she has reemerged, 
a sliver, a glimmer, a tiny hook 
hanging in the darkest night,
taking a first step toward fullness,
expanding, increasing. 

I can gaze at her now, so small,
so sweet, offering a gentle invitation 
to return to earth, a comfort 
looming in the dusk, beckoning 
quietly, a hopeful moon.

I am proud to be a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Please consider reading and supporting our members.

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