Inspired by images by SaraFM6 and OVP6
Now and Before
Massive blue-winged birds swoop
yellow tips to paint the sky
magenta, fuchsia, orange, and
indigo, but
I remember the moon,
perched between branches,
a negative image,
silver against the shadowed boughs,
a smile awaiting dawn.
For Paul Brookes’ Poetry Month Ekphrastic Challenge. You can see the art and read the poems here.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Beautiful and unexpected contrast Merril. Visually and emotionally, as exuberance becomes stillness. High noon to the quiet of the night. Lovely.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Chris. Much appreciated!
“I remember the moon,
perched between branches,
a negative image,” This is wonderful, Merril. 🙂
Thank you so much, Kitty! 😊
Beautiful this simple yet stunningly vivid imagery! ❤
Thank you so much! 💙
I do like this, and I can understand it perfectly. Sunlight can be too brash. Moonlight never is.
Thank you!
I’m actually more of a sunshine person, but I was kind of thinking of someone on another world, or in a new place . . .
They’re both valid. Can’t have night without day, but there are a lot of sun-worshipers who only value bright, hot sunshine.
We need both!
Yes, we do. Too many people think they can have just the good bits.
So true.
This morning I ate breakfast on the lanai as the moon was setting, and “I remember the moon,
perched between branches,”
I kid you not, Merril!
Thank you, Marian! 🙂🌖
A perfect capture of those contrasting images, both wonderful. (K)
Thank you so much, Kerfe!
This is quite neat. I went over and saw the images.
Your poem is perfect for the two you used.
Thank you very much, Resa!
That “but” is powerful
Thank you so much for your close reading, Derrick.
Almost a yin and yang thing save for that “but”…
Yes, you are right. Thank you!
I seem to have my moments 😉
Always, Dale! 😊
You’re too sweet!
Interesting play on “negative image,” as it brings to mind the negative of a film image and what connotations it might have these days. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the two stanzas, life in color and life in black-and-white. Both have their beauty and their place.