I wanted to reblog my response to an old prompt of Sue Vincent’s in honor of the New Moon this weekend. The Oracle had something to say about it too.
In my original post, I explained my inspiration: I discovered this week that the plural for luna mare (moon sea) is lunar maria …is that wonderful, or what? So when I saw Sue Vincent’s Luna photo prompt, above, I had to incorporate it into my response.
Here’s the poem I wrote for Sue’s photo:
The arc of
lunar mountains, edged
dark with bays
of basalt…
Maria!—your names reflect
as mirrors to fill
with sorrow,
forgetfulness, snakes,
storms and fear.
Can we find
the sea of tranquility
and sail into dreams?
between is and if only
we listen
as earth grows restless
breathing wild ancient song
beneath murmuring leaves
climbing windshine
over rock rooted paths
wandering through the hidden secrets
of the moon’s dark night
And of course this song is still and always appropriate.
You can see 14 other interpretations of “Maria” here.
Also linking to Earthweal Open Link Weekend.
K. 
I love everything about this–both poems, art, and Maria. Colton Ryan is really good!
The Oracle was quite lyrical.
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She was, and she knew just what she wanted to say today.
He is! My parents went to B-W, so it was a nice connection. I was hoping there was a video of the contemporary production I saw last January, but there don’t seem to be any. It got mixed reviews but I liked it. I wonder if the new movie is going to still come out–it was supposed to be released this fall.
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I had forgotten about the new movie. I wonder, too. West Side Story is a favorite of mine, too.
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I’ve forgotten all the Latin I ever knew and would never have known that maria is the plural of mare. I thought you were going to give us all the names of Mary for a bit there, Star of the Sea, Mother of Sorrows and all that. West Side Story is much more emotive.
That opening phrase is absolutely glorious!
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Thanks Jane. The moon seas have very poetic names–I don’t think any are meant to evoke Mary, even though one is called sorrow. And West Side Story…the music has a place in my heart for many reasons.
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It’s one of the few musicals I like. Hard to believe Sondheim wrote the lyrics. All the other stuff of his I’ve heard has been rubbish.
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It was very early in his career.
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He should have quit while he was ahead imho.
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agree with Merril’s comment, and I especially like
“Can we find
the sea of tranquility
and sail into dreams?”
may we all find these soon
with or without the moon 🙂
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A good wish! Thanks Kate.
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my pleasure Kerfe!
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There is a profound quality to your poem. It is like a prayer or an incantation. I hope the moon sweeps up into those seas of tranquility.
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I do too. Thanks Suzanne.
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I enjoyed both poems and your artwork, Kerfe: fitting tribute to a new moon. Luna Maria is indeed a beautiful name: I hope we can we ‘find/the sea of tranquility/and sail into dreams?’ What a lovely thought!
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It is. We’ve been searching for it for awhile now. Thanks Ingrid.
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I love “breathing wild ancient song” so much! Beautiful writing.
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Thanks Sherry.
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I love your poem, Kerfe — and as always your artwork.
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Thanjs Betty.
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Wonderful art!
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Thanks!
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