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Cradled In the Arms of Midnight

Aloft, the gem was mounted in black velvet skies A refulgent pearl, surrounded by glistening stars Cradled in the arms of midnight, it hung as a prize, as exquisite as a painting, credited as one of Renoir's Framed by arching branches of a leafless oak, a sultry mist bowed before the majestic moon She was partly veiled by clouds serving as a cloak Her beauty serenaded by the somber song of a loon Its tune a haunting trill, a funeral chant of death, for Luna was wounded, splattered in crimson blood like that spilled by Duncan in Act 5 of Macbeth, or a rose pricked by its thorns, a hemorrhaging bud A sudden stillness enshrouded the atmosphere Swift currents of reticence flowed in a cryptic river Pensively I gazed, transfixed on the moon in fear Impressions of her demise gave me cause to shiver Such nebulous notions clouded my brooding mind, for the moon was merely blushing while in eclipse As dusk darkens shadows of night's morrow, I'll find a golden orb on high, without sign of an apocalypse July 22, 2022 2022 Marathon Mile 9 Contest Sponsor: Mark Toney

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Gary Radice

Date: 7/29/2022 3:26:00 PM

I know you left PS some time back Lin but I'm glad it was just a temporary thing. Great writing and congratulations on your win in Mark's contest...and now I have to go and read act 5 of Macbeth :) Cheers - Gary

Lin Lane
Date: 8/3/2022 3:38:00 PM

Hi, Gary. Please forgive me for not replying sooner. I'm not often on the site, but I do want to thank you for your sweet comments. I'm late for the marathon party, but I'm having fun just taking part.

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 7/29/2022 3:58:00 AM

Excellent write Lin... Great many imageries throughout that with their dainty steps elegantly move and sway from one thought process to that of another of the poet's mind as she gazes the moon... Congratulations on your great win in the contest... Hugs... ~ Ani

Lin Lane
Date: 7/29/2022 7:21:00 AM

Your kind remarks serve as such encouragement to me, Anitha. Thank you.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 7/27/2022 1:41:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. WOW!!! What a write/story. Love your ending, "As dusk darkens shadows of night's morrow, I'll find a golden orb on high, without sign of an apocalypse." Hope you are OK. Have a great/blessed day writing away........

Lin Lane
Date: 7/28/2022 9:12:00 AM

Thank you ever so much, Paula for liking this write. I'm fine and hope you are, too!

Mark Toney

Date: 7/27/2022 11:06:00 AM

Lin, your poetry is exquisite, and your use of metaphors & similes is brilliant. First, you paint the beautiful scene ending with a "serenade by the somber song of a loon". Next, you change the serenade into a "funeral chant of death" signaling an apocalypse. Last, you explain it all. "The moon was merely blushing in eclipse." Brilliant! A fave for me. Congratulations on your podium finish on Mile 9 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 10 has already started!

Lin Lane
Date: 7/28/2022 9:11:00 AM

This poem took flight on its own, Mark. It was headed in a different direction, but somehow traversed into what has become one of my favorites. I'm delighted that you found a place for it on your mile 9 winning list. Thanks so much.

Susan Ashley

Date: 7/27/2022 9:59:00 AM

Dear Lin, such dark dramatic beauty fills your brooding poem. I was transfixed by the moody tone that then rose to elation in the grand finale of your last line. I admire the potent artistry that flows through your pen capturing emotions in stunning metaphors with graceful ease; "Her beauty serenaded by the somber song of a loon" and "a rose pricked by its thorns, a hemorrhaging bud" - wow! Just a few examples of your poetic prowess and finesse. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest, I'm glad you're running the race! Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Lin Lane
Date: 7/28/2022 9:09:00 AM

I am always so encouraged by your fantastic comments, Susan, and appreciate certain lines or phrases you liked best. Thank you for acknowledging my poem in such a way that few like you can.

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 11/7/2018 8:54:00 PM

Hello Lin, reading this poem made me feel like i was watching a scene from a movie. have a nice evening my friend.

Lin Lane
Date: 11/13/2018 3:15:00 AM

Thanks ever so much, Darlene.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 10/26/2018 1:18:00 PM

A fave, Line! Wonderful imagery! ...for the moon was merely blushing while in eclipse. Congrats on POTD!

Lin Lane
Date: 10/26/2018 5:46:00 PM

Much appreciated, Kim.

Joanna Daniel

Date: 10/25/2018 8:42:00 AM

Beautiful and splendid, Lin:) good to read you again:) congratulations on your POTD:)

Lin Lane
Date: 10/26/2018 5:43:00 PM

Thank you dear Jo. Nice to have you visit.

John Hamilton

Date: 10/24/2018 11:04:00 AM

Amazing write Lin, congrats on a worthy POTD!

Lin Lane
Date: 10/25/2018 5:58:00 AM

Thanks ever so much, John.

Ibohal Kshetrimayum

Date: 10/24/2018 4:53:00 AM

Gorgeous

Lin Lane
Date: 10/25/2018 5:58:00 AM

Thank you.

Robert Lindley

Date: 10/20/2018 3:33:00 PM

This my friend, awes in its depth, beauty and revelation of epic poetic talent.. Closing stanza is one of the best summations I ever read. As always your poetry shines in dazzling brilliance and soul of a true poet. A most well deserved POTD choice made.. A fav..

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 5:04:00 PM

Hi, dear Robert. It's great to read your encouraging words and inspirational critique. Your visits are warmly welcome. Thanks ever so much.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/20/2018 2:58:00 PM

- A wonderful poem, Lin :) - Congratulations so much on your well deserved p.o.t.d. :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 5:01:00 PM

I'm very happy to read your gracious comments. Thank you, Anne-Lise.

Mike Gentile

Date: 10/20/2018 2:30:00 PM

This is just gorgeous Lin. A wonderfully crafted piece and a lovely selection for POTD.' Congratulations xxoo

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:46:00 PM

Thank you most sincerely for your compliments, Mike.

M. L. Kiser

Date: 10/20/2018 2:11:00 PM

Super poem! I love these lines: "As dusk darkens shadows of night's morrow, I'll find a golden orb on high, without sign of an apocalypse". Moon has inspired, uplifted, terrified and confused so many through the centuries; never second guess her.

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:46:00 PM

How nice that you highlighted your favorite lines. That's appreciated by me, and thanks for the read and the comments you've left for me.

Quoth Theraven

Date: 10/20/2018 1:17:00 PM

Mystical Macbeth, and lyrical,,,just like your name! Shakespeare would approve, I think.

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:44:00 PM

Shakespeare is one of my favorites, and Macbeth came to mind with this one, so I hope he would approve. Thanks for the comments.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/20/2018 1:15:00 PM

Yay Lin! This honor is so deserving! I am back to congratulate you. As you know I adored this poem and faved it! Wow, POTW now POTD! Congratulations my friend! I am very happy for you. : ) xxoo

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:43:00 PM

lol Love your enthusiastic 'yay!' I always take pleasure in your wonderful comments, Connie. Thanks so very much for liking and faving this one.

Warren Doll

Date: 10/20/2018 9:53:00 AM

Congratulations on POTD, Lin. So well written. A gem!

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:41:00 PM

I appreciate your time and comments, Warren. Thanks!

Constance La France

Date: 10/20/2018 9:22:00 AM

Lin, a big congratulations on POTD with this awesome writing, well done !!

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:41:00 PM

And a big 'thank you' for the nice comments, Constance.

John Gondolf

Date: 10/20/2018 9:17:00 AM

Exquisite poetry, Lin, and a beautiful tribute to the moon. Congrats for a well deserved POTD. John

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:40:00 PM

The moon is deserving of tributes for the inspiration she gives to poets. She's a charmer that leaves us sighing with need. Thank you, John.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 10/20/2018 7:53:00 AM

Superb piece Lin! Congratulations on POTD :) xomo

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:38:00 PM

Many thanks to you, Mo.

Vladislav Raven

Date: 10/20/2018 7:50:00 AM

Hi Lin, wonderful poetry as always flows from your golden pen. Your creativity always sings. Dropping by with my congratulations on your poem of the day honour, Much deserved with this excellent piece. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs....Mike. XX

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:37:00 PM

Another visit from you is an honor, Mike. Thank you ever so much.

Charlie Smith

Date: 10/20/2018 7:34:00 AM

You did not disappoint your fabulous title and ''twas certainly worthy of this honor, congratulations my dear...

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:37:00 PM

Thank you so very much for your kind remarks, dear Charlie.

Joseph May

Date: 10/20/2018 7:14:00 AM

So beautifully rendered Lin..A stellar write..Congrats on POTD..

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 2:36:00 PM

Thank you for your mention of "stellar," Joseph, as in the universe. I do so appreciate your for reading and leaving a lovely comment.

Winged Warrior

Date: 10/20/2018 4:46:00 AM

Back to Congrats!!! my dear friend on your POTD!...even prouder! now...love & light...^WW^

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 5:59:00 AM

Merci de tout mon Coeur, my warrior in the North. I treasure your sweet comments.

Jan Allison

Date: 10/20/2018 4:44:00 AM

Wow Lin many congrats on POTD and POTW too, you must be overjoyed my friend! Have an awesome weekend:-) hugs Jan xx

Lin Lane
Date: 10/20/2018 5:58:00 AM

I'm happy to know so many kind poets have left their encouraging remarks for both of my latest writes. Thanks ever so much, Jan.