“Earthrise” Taken by Apollo 8 crewmember Bill Anders on December 24, 1968
A sea
but no water,
a desert place,
a silvered space–
could it ever feel tranquil?
In solitude, we kick
no dust
no cloud forming
no sunrise warming
but the blue planet
dawning
over a curved horizon–
surprising, stirring,
yet insignificant—
except to us.
Lillian has asked us to write a quadrille (a poem of 44 words) using the word tranquility or some form of the word for dVerse. I love the word, though I haven’t felt too much tranquility lately. Yesterday afternoon, the Oracle whispered “Sea of Tranquility” to me.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Out of this world!
Your poem does again what that photo did/does- gives us a humble perspective.
Thank you so much, D.!
Sea of Tranquility also was my first thought when I saw the prompt. Nicely done, Merril.
Thank you very much, Ken.
Merril, you gift with imagery and bring your reader into your scrpt is awesome ! Love to read you dear lady! 🌺
That is very kind. Thank you, Holly! ❤
It’s so true Merril. You’re writing is awesome!
Thank you! ❤
Loved this, Merril!
Thank you, Jill!
…a silvered space….
I remember so well exactly where I was watching Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. The Sea of Tranquility…the most solitary place with no life. Aloneness perfectly illustrated.
So glad you responded to the prompt!
Thank you very much, Lillian!
Beautifully said, and a special place in my star gazing time, resonance.
Thank you so much!
My pleasure
🙂
I wrote about the moon too, but kind of the mirror image of yours.
I like the way you bridge the gap between earth and moon. (K)
Thank you, Kerfe. I will have to read yours now.
I’m with Holly on this one!
Love this. So beautiful.
Thank you so much, Dale! 🙂
This was a wonderful expression of the moon Merril. I will never forget how exciting and surrealistic the moon landing was — and the view of the earth.
Thanks so much, Rob! Black Bough poetry recently did an issue that was devoted to Apollo XI. (Full disclosure: I had two short poems in it.) 🙂
A precious view you have given of this planet we call home.
Thank you so much, Ali!
What a gorgeous idea for your title!
“A sea
but no water” — yes, this sets it up perfectly.
Thank you so much! 🙂
That perspective really speaks to me on how precious our cage really is
Thank you very much. I’m pleased my words evoked that feeling for you.
This is positively stellar Merril!
Thank you very much, Jade! 🙂
Lol. You must be in a hurry. I’m Linda- 😉
Ooops! So sorry, Linda. I know that! I just replied to Jade. I hope I didn’t call her Linda. Yeah, long day of writing about sexual harassment.
I don’t envy you- I bet that’s draining.
Yes. 😦
Exquisite rendering. Looking at the iconic photo while reading gives wonderful impact, Merril.
Thanks so much, Jade. I’m glad the photo and poem work so well together!
You are welcome. I’ve used that photo for inspiration before also. Not something you see every day.
No, and I can’t imagine what it’s like to really see it!
That was a good choice for a topic. If I had been given the topic tranquility right now I might have smacked someone. (Just kidding, sort of).
Yeah, I haven’t felt tranquil in a while, but the muse whispered. 😉
At least that.
Lovely Merril thank you!
Thank you, Susan!
44 words? Amazing. Reading it made me feel….tranquil. I needed that! ;-0
Aww–thank you!
I haven’t felt tranquil in a while, so I’m glad my poem worked for you! 🙂
Short, sweet and significant! Thank you!
Thank you so much! 🙂
The Oracle seems to always help you when you need it 🙂
Yes, she does. 🙂
That blue planet is precious. Beautiful poem!
Thank you so much, Grace!