ECLIPSE

Much of the continent is veiled in cloud
Or rain tonight, but over me in Maine
The sky is naked crystal, the full moon fading
The stars. Casting its chilling shroud of shadow

The earth prevails with solar deliberation, and bite
by bite ingests, engorges Diana’s milk-white
Body. The stars come bright again for a scant
Hour, but then the silvery incandescent

Pearly whole reappears. The eclipse was a joke,
A hoax, the great eye slowly winking, less
For humor than for hint of wisdom. Yes,
Diana, we know you know we can’t revoke

Galactic destiny with oversight.
So while we may, let’s seize the day–and night.

(71, December 10, 1992)

Comments

The earth’s shadow veiling the light of the moon.

[John Alvord 11-18-2025]

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