Our One and Only

Summary

The poem "Our One and Only" is a lyrical reflection on the enchanting and elusive nature of the moon, personifying it as a captivating diva.

Abstract

"Our One and Only" is a narrative poem that captures the essence of the moon's cycles and its impact on the observer. The moon is depicted as a mysterious and capricious figure, playing hide and seek with the Earth, and evoking a sense of anticipation and longing in those who admire its beauty. The author recounts a personal experience of witnessing the moon's majestic rise over the ocean, surrounded by the companionship of Mars and the Pleiades, likening the celestial event to a theatrical performance. The poem highlights the moon's daily time shift, its dramatic exits and entrances, and its ability to stir emotions and reflections on life's doubts, desires, and regrets. The author concludes by inviting readers to step outside and experience the moon's wonder, expressing gratitude for the lunar spectacle and the inspiration it provides.

Opinions

The moon is admired for its beauty and the way it commands attention in the night sky.
The author feels a personal connection to the moon, suggesting that others might share similar sentiments.
The moon's phases and its consistent yet shifting presence are seen as a source of drama and intrigue.
The poem conveys a sense of forgiveness and unconditional acceptance of the moon's "flair and fickleness."
The author values the moon's role in reflecting human emotions, such as doubts, desires, and regrets.
The experience of watching the moon rise is described as a breathtaking and almost spiritual encounter.
The poem expresses appreciation for the photographer, John, who captured the moon's transition from gold to silver.

A narrative poem

Full Moon over the North River , Marshfield Hills, MA. Photo by John Sheff

She’s playing hide and seek again — hasn’t been spotted in over a week. There are things I want to tell her, I bet you do too. You might have spied her wandering the night, or even the day, when she appears like the sun’s pale understudy. But as twilight falls, she can make the grandest entrance.

I stumbled upon such a ‘happening’ a while back. My perceptive dog, pulled me from our usual evening walk, eastward toward the salt marsh. And there she was: swathed in sumptuous saffron, luminous as a Klimt painting, floating feet above the ocean, a quizzical look on her perfect face, as if to say, what, too bold?

I mean, she was magnificent, truly fly — Mars dropped by dressed in his cool red suit and Pleiades, her faithful fans, scintillated with excitement. Spellbound, I watched from the front row, as our one and only ‘Queen of the Night’ drifted upward, owning the stage, lit in lavender-blue.

Did you know she rises an hour later each day? Like any hard-working diva, she needs her beauty sleep. And she has a way of coyly slipping from the scene, like she’s ghosting, leaving us unsure of her return. I think drama is her thing.

But then, like a repentant lover, she reappears, mysterious as ever. I forgive her everything. Don’t you? Despite her flair and fickleness, she holds our secret doubts, desires and regrets like no other. I welcome her back into my patch of sky every time.

Go on, step outside. The Moon is waiting to be found.

The Moon rising over the Atlantic is one of the most spectacular visions I have ever witnessed. So whenever she rises at a time when I can walk to the marsh near my house, I will be there cheering her on! I hope this poem allows me to share some of the wonder with you, the reader. And a big thank you to my husband, John, who took the beautiful photo of the Moon higher in the sky, when she changed from gold to silver.