
Lately I’ve been reading and thinking a lot about the moon. I’m working on two manuscripts for picture books and both have to do with the moon, so I’ve been filling my writing heart (and brain) with all things “moon.” One of the manuscripts is written in poetry form. Here’s a sneak peek:
The moon is a spotlight on ocean’s high tide,
guiding turtles and crabs scuttling in for a ride.
I’ve always had a fascination with the moon, so I looked through some old files thinking I must have written about it before. That’s when I found “Following the Moon.” One night last Spring I was driving home, mesmerized by the moon. It was right in front of me as I drove. A supermoon—round and full and so lovely and wondrous that I had a hard time concentrating on what I was doing! The next day I wrote this poem (which doesn’t really do it justice):
Following the Moon
I followed the moon home tonight.
A full orb,
a super moon
in a clear sky.
Glowing,
guarding,
my heart filled with its attraction,
its wonder.
I was surprised that was the only moon poem I could find, at least in my electronic file. There must be others tucked away in the pages of old notebooks. Or maybe they’re still tucked away inside me. The moon is such an inspiration for poetry, I think I’ll have to write more.
Mary Lee has the roundup today here. Head on over there for a luscious look at a pomegranate and more poetry fun.
What a wonderful first line … “I followed the moon home tonight.” It invites us to follow through the poem …
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Thank you!
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Yes to those glorious drives when the full moon is so huge as it rises. I never want it to end. I think writing/crafting moon poems is a hard-won battle for me. I love how you make us feel your connection to the moon’s pull and sway, Rose. So happy you will have a picture book out on this some day!
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Thanks for the vote of confidence, Janet. I hope so!
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I am in awe of poets who find new ways to write about the moon, like “a spotlight on ocean’s high tide.” Good luck with your project!
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Thanks!
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So much beauty and inspiration from that old moon, Rose. I love the idea of ‘guarding’. Best wishes with your work about the moon. There are lots, but I will always love one more!
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Thanks!
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The moon is an inspiration, isn’t it. I resonated with trying to find poems from the electronic files…
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There can never be too many moon poems. I wonder if you know this one, that came to me this year for NCTE Notables reading…https://www.amazon.com/Moonstruck-Roger-Stevens/dp/1910959650
Enjoy your trawls–I always get a surprise!
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Thanks, Heidi. I added Moonstruck! to my wish list.
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Here’s to writing more about the moon! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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my heart filled with its attraction,
its wonder.
Yes! It’s amazing, the emotional reaction we can have to the moon, isn’t it? Lovely, Rose!
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Thank you, Laura. One of the picture book manuscripts I’m working on is actually a poem. Mirander Paul (who critiqued it) suggested I look at A Leaf Can Be for some structural ideas. Looking at your book again gave me some great ideas not only for how I might arrange words on the page, but also organize the back matter. Thank you for being such a wonderful mentor.
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