My humble contribution to you today is prose that begged to be a lineated poem.
It seeks to offer assurance of the sanctity of life that conspires to keep you safe.
There is no crime– life’s pledge to you; what’s yours to life?
bereft of shadows that Daylight brings
Night moves in slow, measured steps,
manifestly cradling a sleeping infant
a tailwind, flaunting
ever so warmly through trees
glides Night along
and Night glows, alert but shadowless
squirrels that scurried in the sun then paused
and preened in verdant trees
sparrows that fluttered then perched to sing in
bird words that there was no crime,
now rest in the folds of Night’s long
robe: there was no crime!
there was no crime,
for when the watchman descends,
all boundaries disappear:
outlines of houses and buildings fade
mountains and forests subsume into umbra
intoxicated, they surrender
and Earth reverts to
her ancient shape of one whole
— sheltering all in a tender caress
and when Dawn draws close
the night watchman is the first to notice —
he exhales softly, reft with relief that Dawn brings,
exultant in the completion of his duties
and so Night lets the infant go
awakens the squirrels, the sparrows and
all that slumbered under his care
sends them out to awaken the mountains
and forests and oceans
and, having kept his pledge of ensuring there was no crime
Night entrusts Daylight with the task of guarding the oath
duly, Night turns away from the light, whispering assuredly,
there is no crime; there is no crime
and like a fat bird waddling, follows his lengthened shadow
and trudges into a cave to sleep
© 2022 selmamartin.com
And now, a quote that I stumbled upon; made me smile and nod:
“The boundaries of our country, sir? Why sir, onto the north
we are bounded by the Aurora Borealis,
on the east we are bounded by the rising sun,
on the south we are bounded by the procession of the Equinoxes,
and on the west by the Day of Judgement.”
~ The American Joe Miller’s Jest Book (goodreads)
~ American Gods by Neil Gaiman (goodreads)
This Photo by Rok Romih on Pexels.com Thank you.
On Medium, photo by Lionello DelPiccolo on Unsplash Thank you.
This nature prose poem first appeared at Blue Insight on Medium and includes just
the photo I intended to represent Night. Perhaps you’ll swing over there to view?
Thanks for reading,
I wish you miracles.
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Fascinating, Selma!
Loving this: follows his lengthened shadow and trudges into a cave to sleep.
Meanwhile I shall turn off my evening lamp and turn in for the night… Sweet dreams from UK
Happy to know you liked that part. I like it too.
So grateful for the comment. Now I’m heading to bed. I’ve been so tired lately. I think it’s got something to do with the morning serenades missing now. What a difference.
Be well, Katy. I bless you.
Oh my dear Selma, your thoughts, images, and arrangement of words always inspire. Beautiful!
I cannot tell you how happy it makes me hearing you say that. I strive to add all of that. Yes. So pleased with this one. Thanks for the gift of your presence, friend. Xoxo. Bless you.
I’ve been so tired lately. Perhaps, like I said to Katy, it’s the silence that making me so lethargic. Hope you are well. Bless you.
Both your prose poetry and the quote is absolutely brilliant Selma. Loved the beautiful image your words painted.
Hey, Sadje. I revel with every one of your visits. Your encouragement puts me in a better place. Always. Thanks so much. Hope all is well and that you’re safe from harm. Be well, dearie. Blessings.
Thanks Selma! I’m good and I hope you’re too.
Glad to know, Sadje. I have no pains or ailments but I’m sooo tired and listless these days.
The commotion of birds is gone and I’m missing them. But the relentless heat and humidity is a bummer. Makes me tired.
Forgive if I cannot get to you. I will when I feel better. Always love your creativity and lovely soul. Bless you.
Good night. Xo
Take care my friend. Heat does drains our energy and vitality. Hope you feel better soon
A very peaceful feeling here. (K)
So pleased that feeling came through, K. May it linger long. Bless you. Xoxx
Very nice quote & poem.
So pleased to hear you say, Raj. Blessings.
Selma, your poems task us to think. A wonderful gift!
So happy for this. I appreciate the lovely words. Stay sweet. Blessings.
😊🙏🏻
This is simply sublime, the imagery was absolutely magnificent
Gosh. Blushing and feeling good. Thanks, Deb. So pleased you enjoyed. Bless you. Happy Spring, darling.
This part made me sigh deeply:
and Earth reverts to
her ancient shape of one whole
— sheltering all in a tender caress
❤️❤️❤️
Tricia my sweet. Thanks. Sigh
💓
It was good to re-read this astute poem here, Selma!
Gave it another spin. Smile. Thanks for reading and commenting again, my sweet. Blessings.
Love your imagery and lovely words you used to create the sublime. Nicely done❣️💖
It pleases me to know. *bowing*