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Need

 Sharing with this week's The Sunday Muse #184. Come celebrate Halloween with verse and The Muse. 


I don't think the lantern needed the day; I needed the night:
Lit and close and dark and smelling of faraway fires.
I needed the smoky flicker that darkened the late-season field
I needed the thin linen dress someone else's jacket hides;
I needed the nested shadow; not blue, clear sight.

It's already a spooky weekend: one window wedged itself just open enough for the breeze to moan beneath, James heard a drone last night (according to him, circling and circling the neighborhood without lights), and our sometimes neighbors have started to set up their backyard for whatever festivities they're planning for Halloween weekend. So...tomorrow (Halloween) will be a good day to read through the books picked up at the local author Spooktacular hosted by a used bookstore not far from here and to say a few final prayers before NaNo begins. Also, celebrating another zine draft ready for editing (sometime after November)!!

-- Chrissa



Comments

  1. Gillena CoxOctober 31, 2021 at 2:29 AM

    Best Wishes with your zine project.
    We have had locust sightings in San Fernando here in Trinidad. Not a happy event to add to pandemic days

    Happy Sunday

    much❤love

    ReplyDelete
  2. hedgewitchOctober 31, 2021 at 6:58 AM

    This is a very powerful mood piece for being so short, Chrissa. Your last line especially is vivid and full of an almost ominous feeling of insight, when we see into our own shadows and it frightens us. All of this builds that picture of need in your title flawlessly; each line pulls its own weight and makes the poem work. Happy All Hallows to you and yours--this poem suits it to a tee.

    ReplyDelete
  3. HelenOctober 31, 2021 at 9:49 AM

    I am going to be spooked if / when drones begin circling our neighborhood ... a great write for the Day of All Things Spooky.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ms_liliOctober 31, 2021 at 11:52 AM

    Just right never lasts for long anyway. The shadows keep things interesting for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Carrie Van HornOctober 31, 2021 at 11:57 AM

    I love the thoughts and feelings this gorgeous poem evokes. A breathtaking poem my friend!! I look forward to seeing your new zine!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. FireblossomOctober 31, 2021 at 2:05 PM

    Let us know how the books are!

    ReplyDelete
  7. JimOctober 31, 2021 at 4:47 PM

    Our spooks are coming now. It is the KitKat day at the Jim's.
    I know your really needed the night lit to "smell(ing) of faraway fires".
    ..

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sherry Blue SkyOctober 31, 2021 at 6:26 PM

    I love that last line best. Really wonderful. Hope the fireworks next door dont scare your dogs.........congrats on having something ready for editing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Myrna R.November 1, 2021 at 8:31 AM

    Lovely Halloween thoughts here, though I read it after the fact. But enjoyed it so much.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Marion HortonNovember 1, 2021 at 9:15 AM

    You weave great atmosphere and vulnerability here - I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Susie ClevengerNovember 1, 2021 at 12:49 PM

    Love the mood... There is a need for shadows at times. Beautiful writing.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Other MaryNovember 2, 2021 at 7:08 AM

    Yes, sometimes we need the darkness. Love this.

    ReplyDelete
  13. purplepeninportland.comNovember 3, 2021 at 6:22 PM

    From the first line on this poem radiates beauty.

    ReplyDelete

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