Snow Moon

Snow Moon     (Feb 2017)

SNOW MOON

Again, I’m drawn by curves of wonder, round and full,

illuminating the night with mystery. My yard is a cloth spread- 

a picnic of beauty for all who stand with craned neck and thirsty 

eyes, who drink hope while surrounded by darkness. Since 

childhood, the moon showed the way, going before yet following, always

   

inviting paradoxes: grace, fullness, diminishment.

From the window of an old brown station wagon

packed with siblings, purses, Bibles, suitcases depending

the destination, despite tussling, complaining or

singing, the moon winked at me. While lost in wonder

the world collapsed into one glowing ball, my soul, my

closest friend, followed our every turn, sailing

through trees, hiding behind buildings only to leap out on

the other side, coaxing a smile from deep melancholy

slowing on turns, silently waiting at red lights, traveling fast

down highways, keeping up. Keeping up. I caught love from 

this darling of the night. Intuited the wisdom of seasons, joy,

and sorrow, how it feels to shine or be reduced to a sliver.

She taught me more than holy verses committed to memory, 

more than hymns or fickle human affection.  Even now 

she is Mother, teaching love, endurance, persistence. Hope

in darkness.Trustworthiness. When mom couldn’t shine,

the moon did. And when mom billowed a blanket upon the grass,

inviting her little ones down on the ground to look up, gaze

at stars, watch the moon, I knew God as full and radiant.

“I see the moon, the moon sees me.”