For Day Seventeen of Paul Brookes’ Special January Ekphrastic Challenge, I’m responding to one painting. Anyone who knows me, could probably predict I would respond to Kerfe Roig’s “Owl Moon.”
–Kerfe Roig, “Owl Moon
Owl Moon
Full and bright, the night alight
with skittering scatters and chitter-chat
of sated rat. The vixen barks to her mate,
and beneath the walls, creatures slither and crawl,
while mice and voles in the shadows hide
as feathered wings outstretched glide–and bide.
And shall I call it owl moon?
A moment in time, perhaps not real—
Imagined flights, unseen sights, but
the planets spin, the stars glow and go
about what they do, and the owl does, too,
with a hoot to the world, he dives,
survives—though it’s fate—not feud,
the hunters and the pursued.
All the questions, unanswered, still are asked—
the moments gone, past to future and to past–
but listen–
the fade of argent song, the hummed goodnight,
as trills and twitters awaken dawn’s light.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
And how could I not love this? One of my favourite’s of Kerfe’s.
‘All the questions, unanswered, still are asked’
Great line. The owl, of course is the Oracle’s bird 🙂
Thank you so much. Exactly, I saw that image and title, and that was that. And yes, the owl must. be the Oracle’s bird!
I’m sure of it 🙂
What a perfect combination of artwork and poetry.
The unanswered questions will always be asked, methinks.
Thank you very much! Yes, I think so. 😀
🙂
Reblogged this on The Wombwell Rainbow.
Thank you, Paul.
Wonderful! Yes, definitely the bird of the Oracle.(K)
Thank you! Yes, definitely.
Inspired by Kerfe’s image, your poem gives voice to the night. Brava!
Thank you so much, Liz!
You’re welcome, Merril!
Wonderful, Merril!
Thank you, Jill!
This poem was so much fun to read aloud multiple times, feeling the rhythm of repeated sounds, pondering as I paused, my imagination on the loose.
That is such a lovely comment–and compliment! Thank you so much!
Pingback: Owl Moon Mystique – Ekphrestic Challenge, January 23 – The world according to RedCat
Thank you so much!
I LOVE this. It’s so musical. Makes me happy! ❤️
I can hear a song of night sounds as I read this.
Thank you! This painting SO inspired me. (And it’s funny because I am such a morning person!) 🤣
Love this chewy poem. So fun to read aloud. And the art. Have you read Jane Yolen’s Owl moon?
Chewy poem! 😀 Thank you. Yes, Kerfe’s art really inspired me. I know I have read Owl Moon, though I don’t remember all the details. I know we used to get her books from the library a lot when our girls were little.
It’s a beautiful book.
Splendid use of lovely language in the description
Thank you very much, Derrick.
Pingback: Owl Moon with Audio – Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings