Moondance

[Auset]

Across the startled face of time
freckled with bright moments
of Jesus rising
Buddha’s insufferable goodness
and Muslims’ relentless fervor
is a moon bewitched in
late night coven darkness
women dancing as gods
weaving mystery into violet
scalpels of pain carving
a galaxy of stars praising
the night

fireflies dance unafraid
of the circle of promise
that women
in proud barefoot ecstasy
conjure in that spare
forrest space pried
from the skeletons
of bored oppression
in kitchens of pots
boiled over and
relentless crumbs

in the black swell of
night cramped between
the sun and a moon full
the color of warm beer
women chant into the troubled womb
of a restless sky to
summon power unapologetic
weaving loss and foreboding
into an impossible brew
on the lips of women
breaking open, blood
on the horizon and
a murder of crows on high

the circle dance
becomes a noose
with frenzy and chants
that ignite the night
receding into
morning hours
when the sun will
surprise darkness
with its enduring
faith in second
chances, heartbreak
a torch rather than
a caldron
mystery unveiled
secrets unwoven
and women pressing
the gathering sunlight
into jewels

[CarolynKleefeld]

Beautifully and skillfully composed, with powerful multicultural reflections and magnificent and magical imagery; a genuine delight to read Auset, and much enjoyed.

[dwells]

Something ancient speaks thru this striking poem of women, magic, and mystery; skilfully arrayed into a rite of power and plenty that only the hand that rocks the cradle can fully grasp. Cheers Auset for a magnificent poem! - Dan

[rupertpupkin]

Wonderful write full of sublime imagery and striking language. Quite magical and mystical. Loved it.

[BarryC]

this really deserves the spotlight-well done

[rupertpupkin]

Well done on a most deserving spotlight for this wonderful piece!

[inflames]

I like the second stanza a lot. Nicely done. congrats on your spotlight!