24 Poems ~ 24 Hours
The canopy of stars overhead
create the perfect backdrop.
Phoebe reflects bright white
on the placid lake.
Wading in I begin to panic
as water creeps over hips,
breastbone, eyes. Chill envelopes.
Darkness consumes. I think,
“Tell my mother I did it for glory.”
The moon bleeds into the lake,
Whitening the soft ripples of black silk.
Under the canopy of stars
On this cloudless night,
He turns to me
The glow of love shines from his eyes.
The familiar sense of panic
Builds beneath my breastbone
I breathe to calm my quickened senses.
I tell myself,
“They are only some words.”
The breastbone, a canopy for the heart and lungs
Breathe deeply, a full moon of oxygen into the soul
Close the eyes to look deep into the lake of the mind
Breathe out until there is nothing left to spare
Do not panic: revel in the glory that the next breath will follow
[Prompt: Use five of these words: Moon, Lake, Glory, Jeep, Breastbone, Spare, Canopy, Panic]
At midnight, ‘neath the night sky’s glorious
canopy, the banana moon shown down
upon our town’s polluted lake. My spare
frame lay uncomfortably upon her
breastbone as we reclined in the backseat
of her 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
She said, “Don’t panic. I know
this is going to be your first time.”
“They’re trying to poison me,” he said.
“Kill me that’s what they want to do.
They took my money,” he said.
“Got a quarter?”
“Or any change you got will do.”
He grinned with a broken smile
As he took the dollar from my hand.
Nodded his head and said “Thank you.”
Started running and yelling “Hey Man!”
I couldn’t see who he was talking to
For I’m sure no one was there.
The voices in his head were speaking
And leading him to his home–
Nowhere.
Moon Bathing
The moon cast silver on her
ivory skin making her seem
translucent
or
metallic,
he could not decide which –
but she was beautiful
bathing in the silver lake.
He could sing the glory
of her
silver skin to
all the Gods
of the pantheon
but
he did not want to
panic her –
he knew what became of
those who
glimpsed her
beautiful, bathing body:
some became stags for her to hunt,
some became moored from lack of wind,
or were simply struck down on the spot.
But he was safe,
in the shadow of the canopy,
and admired her as she bathed.
He was
the one who got away.
© R. L. Elke 2016
The moon drifts through the canopy above
It’s light reflects upon the mountain lake
The dimmer light which shines with God’s own love
His glory which he gives all for our sake
His heart for those who wonder in the dark
That they should never have to walk alone
With smaller lights for sailors who embark
To guide them as they journey far from home
He gave the sun yet gave us so much more
He spares a thought for all his creatures who
Walk through night and darkness in their scores
And if he watches them he loves us too
Giver of light we thank you for your care
For none must walk the dark without you there
You’re the one who parts the waters
Lights up the darkened sky
My God above all others
No need to question why
You love the mild and meek
You see through the heart of man
My recesses dark and deep
You are the Great I Am
You move the mighty mountains
Faith of a mustard seed
You are the living fountain
And you’re in love with me
You are the roaring lion
You are the gentle lamb
From you there is no hiding
You are the Great I Am
You are the reason given
The very breath of life
Glory in the seasons
The closest friend of mine
You know the number of my days
As my life is sifting sand
Count me important in my ways
You are the Great I Am
Moon above me so high,
Hear me speak, hear me cry!
The Universe shares it glory!
And I seek a happier story.
A canopy of flowers in my head,
As I softly lie in my bed,
I see myself at a peaceful lake…
A longing to reveal, a life to make!
Spare me pain and loss…
Wash my feet in cleansing moss.
Manifest my deepest yearning!
And keep my mind always learning.
