Moaning At The Moon

A poem of fusion and synergy mixing a metaphysical poetic idea with modern vernacular

Forty years ago I was studying metaphysical poetry at night school. A stand out classic was ‘The sun rising’ by John Donne. Here I have written a complementary piece with a mix of traditional and modern idiom.

What I wanted to do was to take that tone of Donne’s, his annoyance at being disturbed by the early morning sun whilst he canoodles with his lover, and exaggerate it to full on anger. I wanted to see what would come out of this endeavour, where it would take me and leave me. I wanted to see if this little experiment would leave me at the end with something creatively joyous or utterly miserable. I am not unhappy with the result. I sincerely hope it does not cause any offence. If it does I apologise in advance.

Mooning Under The Moon

Stupid old fool You loony moon Why dost thou thus Moon down on us? With knowing wink What dost thou think? Go chase early burglars out on the prowl The harvest mouse being eaten by the owl Kids on the corner selling drugs For gangs of teenage criminal thugs. Is this the best that you can do Shining down on just us two? Mind your own business, stare elsewhere Leer where you like, we just don’t care. All we’re doing is having a kiss Enjoying a moment of ecstatic bliss What the hell do you think this is A three ring circus in the dead of night When all but us have taken flight? How dare you look at us like that You dirty old man, you nosey old gnat! Doggin a young couple like us like that Well go moon go, do what you like Take thee for a walk, take thee for a hike Just leave me alone to ride my bike!

Dr John Rose Dr. Preeti Singh Dr. Manishi Pallavi Stuart Englander