avatarAnn Marie Steele

Summary

"Moonshadows" is a poetic reflection on the interplay of light and darkness in nature, observed through the lens of a scarlet moon and the stillness of the night.

Abstract

The article titled "Moonshadows" evokes the contrast between the celestial brilliance of stars and the quiet, almost eerie, presence of dark trees and their thick roots. The poem paints a vivid picture of a night illuminated by a creeping scarlet ball, casting flashing shadows across hazy branches. Amidst the grandeur of thunder and lightning, the poem emphasizes the subtle beauty of the universe, likening stars to miniature specks whispering to attentive ears. The author, Ann Marie Steele, reminisces about her prolific writing period from 1989 to 1992 and her recent return to writing, suggesting a personal journey through poetry and reflection.

Opinions

  • The author perceives the universe as a place where stars outshine everything else, highlighting their grandeur and beauty.
  • There is a sense of stillness and penetrating depth in the imagery of dark trees and thick roots, suggesting a connection with the earth that is both profound and silent.
  • The poem reflects on the dynamic interplay between light and shadow, with the moon casting ever-changing moonshadows that animate the landscape.
  • The description of thunder and lightning as rendering the stars as mere whispers indicates a reverence for the power of natural phenomena.
  • The author shares a personal insight into her writing history, implying that there was a significant gap in her creative output that has only recently been bridged.

Moonshadows

Illuminated by a creeping scarlet ball

Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

Stars will outshine the universe- dark trees, thick roots penetrating a musty earth remain still in the night. Moonshadows flash around hazy lit branches illuminated by a creeping scarlet ball on a cloudy day. Sheets of thunder and roars of lightning bolt through the sky rendering the diamond like twinkles of miniature specks but a whisper to listening ears.

I wrote this is 1991 — it seems like I did a lot of writing between about 1989–92 and didn’t pick up again until a couple of years ago.

Ann Marie Steele

Curated Content
Free Verse Poetry
Nature Writing
Moonlight
Moon
Recommended from ReadMedium