Moonbeams shine through the window
Highlighting hands in circular motion
Scccrrruuuubbb, sccccrrruuuuubbb,
The sound elongating on each orbital pass
Along the Corelle plane
Muffling the hopeful crinkle of suds
She looks out the window
Her eyes following the moon path
Russsstling, russssssstling
Wrestling with her mind to focus on the task
She looks down at the wet line along her shirt waist
Pointing to the needy stack of temporary satiation
Slowly, her hands stop their motion
And she lifts up her right hand to
Capture the moonlight upon her palm
She watches the shadows play hide and seek
And feels the pull of Artemis to abandon her post
An arrow pierces her heart
And she holds her breath in realization
Quickly, she presses her face to the window
Her breath now fogs up the glass
HAAAAAAAAAA, haaaaaaaa…….Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh
The cooling pressure reminding her
The moon is cold and lonely like a clean plate
She notices the front of her shirt is wet
This poem was inspired by Patrick’s Pic and a Word Prompt #230 – Moon. I took this photo of the moon on a cloudy night this week. It looks so far away….
When I was thinking about this poem, I actually was washing dishes and looking out the window – this was after dinner, when the kids were still up and about and not at all tired enough for bed. The noise was daytime loud. There was nothing in particular that happened to make the day “bad” and even their after dinner/before bedtime squabbling wasn’t particularly bothersome. I was just waiting for the day to be over, so I could have some time for myself (sorry, Hubby).
It was only after all the kids (and Hubby) were in bed and the house was silent that I was able to formulate into words and phrases what that moment was like – a moment that I’m sure many mothers (and maybe some fathers) have experienced. It’s these moments that people always tell you to be grateful for because they will be gone soon enough. It’s these moments that you try your hardest to accept as just a phase of life.
I was reminded about a quote from St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mother Teresa, who said, “Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” Yet what if you’re having a hard time loving any of the potential people who will use the dish next because they are arguing about who’s turn it is to pick a show to watch while getting sticky ice cream and cake crumbs all over the couch? (It was supposed to be a nice treat….) Maybe it takes a saint to not answer Artemis’ call….
© 2020 iido
really beautiful contemplation resulting in an exquisite poem, I do believe you took Mother Theresa’s advice to heart, in all you do, it is with thought for who comes next. I love the Corelle plane, many a time I have scrubbed problems along it’s face too. A mindless task now becomes almost a sacred meditative pose. Love this work Irma, love you and how you touch my heart with your wonderful poems.
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Your words touch my heart! Thank you for the encouragement. Those Corelle plates were my mother’s and thinking about her washing them for me when I was a child helps make the task easier. They were still in great condition when she gave them to me. Now it makes me wonder how often she scrubbed them contemplating problems. ❤️
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you making me tear up now, our mothers worked hard for us, you give her a heartfelt tribute. my mum has passed on her Corelle dishes to my youngest sister but I got all the Pyrex!
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Well, I am the only daughter so I have both! 😁
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Ahhhhhh dear Irna…i always always love your honesty here..no sugar coating of how you really feel about the situation. Kids and responsibilities at home as mom is most of the time ..i totally get that ..back in the days when my kids were small and everythings just seemed to overwhelm me..i ‘d lock my bedroom for a few minutes and just scream or cry..l..then i’d be fine..lol and looking back that they are now young adults and are all capable of looking after themselves, i still cant believe how i made it with flying colors..😚😚😚
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Oh yes – I do the same except it’s the bathroom. 😂 I hope my kids grow up a capable as yours. It seems like a long way still but I know those years will fly by fast. 😢
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They (your kids) will be Irma…you are such a good mom
.and you have a very strong faith in God, that’s very important too..
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your express yourself so well and it resonates with all parents … there is no right or wrong just patience and love … all this will pass too!
Keep sharing your deep moments, they shed light for all ❤
take care precious xx
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You know I will continue to share. Thank you for the encouragement! ❤️ you take care as well!
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Here endeth the lesson… on how to write a poem while doing the dishes, looking through the window at the moon ??….. I think we need some Music Irma….
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So relatable! I love the image of playing with moonlight while washing dishes, it’s like claiming a part of yourself during a time you are doing so much for others.
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Yes! That little moment for yourself – so needed at times. Thank you for noticing that detail!
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I really like this, Irma! The onomatopoeia is wonderful, and the connection between Artemis, the moon, and an arrow is perfect!
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Thank you so much! I’ve always loved her story when I was really into reading mythology. Including the onomatopoeia was fun!
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I believe the moon is truly magical and playful and calls us to dance, create,and let our inner child be curious of full of laughter ❤️lovely Irma my dear Irma. ✨🌘🌗🌕🌔🌒✨
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Hello Jenna! I do love the moon although it’s been a while since I’ve danced under her loving gaze. So good to hear from you!
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I understand. My husband and I may venture out for a sunset stroll tomorrow night. With being cooped up inside a lot it’s a simple slice of heaven just to think about. 😊💗
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Irma, what can I say what others haven’t or I haven’t said before! It is like you have written my story. Always love how the mundane and the ordinary becomes something profound and esoteric in your words. Love it.
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We are truly sisters from the same heart! I am glad to know we have the shared experience. Maybe we can join Artemis on a midnight jaunt some night….
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So we are, my dear! Won’t it be wonderful if we could do that!
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lovely blog with such skillful writing …enjoyed your poem for Jamie Dedes prompt and Oh what similarities of home circumstances in your recount. I too am only able to write when all is silent , tv off, hubby asleep, though we two are the only ones in the house but still..
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Thank you so much for visiting! I have admired your writing since you first started joining in on Jamie’s prompts. I am much honored by your words and our shared experiences.
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I oo read your brilliant work.Thanks to Dear Jamie for introducing so many talented writers.I wanted to share another miracle about the moon photo you captured. The shots I captured look quite similar to yours.Where can I share with you?
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Hello – sorry for the delay. Please feel free to email to me if you would like: iidorun346@gmail.com I look forward to it!
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Hi Salam Peace Thank you Jazakallah Khair- will write soon Insha allah
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