Martin, Mary, & the Moon

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Linking with Poets & Storytellers for Writers' Pantry #23

We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own.

  ~Ben Sweetland

True words linger like memories of the moon

washing out doubt's shadow

giving hope a lit stage

for there are those that listen

and those that speak

poets that spark fires

and heroes that live by a brighter light

their tracks in the snow lead the way

and if you watch the moon

it follows too

brilliant light flows wide and long

and true words always linger

like memories of the moon

as imprints upon our heart.

This is dedicated to Marin Luther King Jr, Mary Oliver, and so many that are boldly inspiring change in this world.  They are the ones who enlighten and move others with a brilliant light that lasts many lifetimes to come.

©Carrie Van Horn 2020

Light from the Moon

Photo by Tony Detroit on Unsplash

Linking with  Toni's wonderful Wed Muse ~ Harvest Moon

"We ran as if to meet the moon." —Robert Frost

I feel you watch me

Following me down the path

Though immense miles apart

We are connected by a certain attraction

It is the empty places you fill

When I look at you

You give a warmth

Through the light of your being

And you guide me in the right direction

Time and time again.

Map for the Moon

Google Images


 Linking with Poetry Jam for the "Paths" prompt.

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth."

~Buddha




I have never held a map for the moon within my hands
though I have journeyed there just the same.
With empty pockets and no compass for land
heading to uncharted territory with no title nor claim.

The future holds a ticket that I lost somewhere in the past
a place I don't belong but revisit with tourists and fools.
Fishing for food with a line I could never cast
hoping for amnesty due to bending a thousand rules.

 Lessons are like a dirt road that have pebbles under our feet
we learn to step on them gently and where not to step.
For life has a way of providing the trial that will teach
yet it is up to us to gain knowledge and utilize the test.


Sometimes the lesson that is hardest to learn is the" not" instead of the "do".  What not to do or not to go.  In recovery they talk a lot about insanity, and what it truly means.  Doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.  I have found that in my life the things that I struggle with most are trying to control what is not my place to do.  Like a map for the moon, it is not my place to tread, nor is it truly an option to try.  Yet, I still keep on heading back down that path.  Hoping to change something that is not truly within my grasp, like a map for the moon, I do not hold the power to change anyone or anything outside of my own self.  I understand the lesson, yet I keep retaking the test.  I guess that makes me either an eager student or an insane one.  You do the math. :-)

Homemade Moonshine

Google Images

"We are here and it is now.  Further than that, all human knowledge is moonshine."

~ H. L. Mencken

Like a ringing phone at 2 am
white lightning has a certain kick
it grabs you at the gut
and then hits ya with a brick.

It holds the utter power
to make yer troubles run
it woos them with a sigh
and then shoots em with a gun.

The only trouble with the liquor
is it aint got a lick of aim
it makes a lotta noise
but troubles live on just the same.

So if ya got a heartache
that won't just leave ya be
forget the drink and jug
just stay sober and have green tea.

linking with Poetry Jam and the "Homemade" prompt.

The Sound The Moon Makes

Think Tank Prompt # 7

There is a sound the moon makes when it takes up a fool's eyes.

It is louder than a train wreck, yet quieter than a cry.

There is a sound the moon makes when it is in a child's view.

It is louder than a herd of elephants, yet smoother than a flute.

There is a sound the moon makes when it fills a lover's sky.

It is louder than Beethoven, yet softer than a sigh.

Poets United a great site for poets that blog.