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Chasing the Man In the Moon

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A little poetic license here, but based loosely on my childhood.

Chasing the man in the moon


When I was a child

all I wanted was a little warmth,

some love and maybe a smile

Not asking for too much I thought

that it could make my life worthwhile

The house was always cold 

it never became a home

so I learned to be all by myself

always alone

Outside there was peace

away from the chaos

I found my solace 

in the darkness

as the smiling face 

of the man in the moon

shone down on me

I thought to myself

he is a kind and gentle man

always happy and bright

always waiting for me, only me

in the stillness of the night.

I was a scared little boy

looking up at the expanse,

of the eternal night sky,

always questioning, 

always wondering...why?

Then I would see in the heavens

his smiling face of approval

and I felt for the very first time

that I was special to someone,

that someone cared about me.

Even though it was cold inside

the house, I felt warm outside

even in winter

as I basked in the warmth

of the smiling face

of the man in the moon.

As I grew older,

the days would grow colder,

and the nights were filled

with ever more gloom,

so I looked out my window

searching the night sky

looking for my shining light

my special man in the moon

When I bought my first car

I would spend endless days

and nights on the road

looking for some place that

would welcome me home.

Up above me I would see

that smiling face shining

down on me in the distance

always... in the distance...

He seemed so large at times

so close to to me

I could almost  touch him

so...sometimes

I would drive all night

thinking somehow,

if I went fast enough

I could get closer to that kind man

but...when dawn would break...

so would my heart 

as I could see

him slipping from my grasp

vanishing away from me

in the infinite horizon.

I've spent my whole life

running as fast as I could

but I see clearly now

that it's done me no good

I've wasted my life waiting

and hoping,

for my fathers smiling face

for his approval,

for his loving embrace.

The years have passed by quickly

and I see the end is coming soon

so...I guess I'll have to finally give up

chasing the man in the moon.




John Derek Hamilton
June 20.2016

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016




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Date: 1/12/2020 10:27:00 PM
I'm glad this poem was featured or I might have missed it. So sad to be looking for warmth and love from a father who is oblivious of you. Both my parents were like this yet I would go to the ends of the earth to try to please them. My father was a poet so even though he has passed, I finally feel we are on common ground. I have faved this so I may read it often. Touches my heart. Hugs. Janece
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John Hamilton
Date: 1/13/2020 9:10:00 AM
Hi Janece I think this is your first visit to my page, thank you so much for commenting on this older poem, and also for the fave, that means a lot to me! I so glad you enjoyed this one and it touched you, so sad that families have broken down so much!
Date: 3/9/2018 4:12:00 PM
(continued) This is strange for me because my mind spins all the time - even when I'm asleep - but for some reason the moon has always calmed me - soothed my spirit and bones, and I never get enough. Some people get it, some people don't, (most don't, sadly), but every-so-often I meet another who truly understands, and no words are needed. We are moon people, whatever that means, and it binds us like blood. I am fav-ing this one for sure! Awesome stuff, my friend! :-)
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John Hamilton
Date: 3/9/2018 6:26:00 PM
Thanks Greg I knew you could relate, metaphor for fathers love, and then spirituality fills the void...not many get it...thanks so much for the visit on this oldie but goodie...I still get teary eyed when I read it, got lot's of stories to tell I could write a book about all I've been through...though...most wouldn't believe it!!
Date: 3/9/2018 4:09:00 PM
Brother ... I SO relate to all of this, (as I think you know), and I just adore this! I looked for it before and didn't have much time, (couldn't find it), and then forgot. The moon was ALWAYS my friend, and it always seemed to follow me, (though it would finally go to bed each morn). There have been so many times when I have sat at the ocean, watching the moon on the sea, (my favorite thing to look at), and I have literally watched it go from one horizon to the other, and never got bored!
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John Hamilton
Date: 3/9/2018 6:22:00 PM
Yup been there..done that...
Date: 8/9/2016 1:29:00 PM
As you know I can certainly relate. Thanks for pointing out this piece. It is well and artistically expressed.
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John Hamilton
Date: 8/9/2016 1:53:00 PM
Thanks for the read, I knew you could relate, I appreciate very much your feedback. Have a great day!
Date: 6/29/2016 11:32:00 PM
A wonderful Free Verse. Well done! Your metaphor is strong, yet also heartbreaking
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John Hamilton
Date: 6/30/2016 9:34:00 AM
Thanks R.A for your thoughtful comment and visit much appreciated!
Date: 6/27/2016 7:05:00 AM
Good that you found love in God who made the moon:) Great write:)
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John Hamilton
Date: 6/27/2016 6:36:00 PM
Thanks Jo, congratulations on your introspection poem, truly was one of the best, I think your finest write!Well done!
Date: 6/22/2016 9:36:00 AM
Such a lonely piece but so well written
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John Hamilton
Date: 6/22/2016 5:53:00 PM
Thanks Mike I appreciate the visit and thoughtful comment!
Date: 6/22/2016 8:40:00 AM
It's heartbreaking to think that a little boy could only get his warmth and love from the moon but that kept him strong and kept him going... a lifetime of searching... sad but there was always hope. Very heartfelt poem, John, I enjoyed reading this. Well done.
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John Hamilton
Date: 6/22/2016 5:55:00 PM
The man in the moon is a metaphor for God's love...thanks for your visit and comments, much appreciated.
Date: 6/20/2016 5:05:00 PM
Very nice poem John. I agree with Walter. There are a few levels here and that is what makes a great poem. a7+++
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John Hamilton
Date: 6/20/2016 8:18:00 PM
Thanks Tim, personal poems are hardest to write as revealing oneself is like showing your journal to the world. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, thanks also for the 7+++!
Date: 6/20/2016 3:35:00 PM
Your write is felt on quite a few levels when it comes to being heartfelt! It evoked a pause and then I read it again...eye opening truth of someone's life! Nice write John!
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John Hamilton
Date: 6/20/2016 8:15:00 PM
Thanks Walter, it is so nice to hear from you again, I appreciate very much your kind comments.JDH

Book: Reflection on the Important Things