Pale Shelter

A child shelters ... Under a bloody, swollen moon Yearning the daylight Soft beams show the way But there is no ember ... no brightened clarity No warm-to-the-marrow saturation It is beautied, like the elements of love But it can not fill the sky or heart Wan and weak, it is pale substitute for sunshine Even the shadows it daubs are undefined Puddles of inky disregard and neglect The night's cold, unaffected Love's longing stretches deep into the dark Questions crimping the edge of want Ever nipping at self-worth and pride and expectation But the child's eyes, transfixed ... Moonlight has few equals ... shimmering, beautiful But like love unexpressed, it is ONLY that A word not said, a hand not held ... time not shared A kindness unseen, a sacrifice unappreciated A precious tear not kissed away Moments - small and not - wasted They all hide there in the shadows of the moon Like the dear child ... (Soon grown and gone) Longing for the bold definition of daylight The warming wonder of sunshine The lasting aspect ... Of LOVE. ~ 2nd Place ~ in the "Your Best New Poem" Poetry Contest, Emile Pinet, Judge & Sponsor. ~ 1st Place ~ in the "Pale Shelter" Poetry Contest, John Hamilton, Judge & Sponsor. ( Inspired by the song "Pale Shelter" by Tears For Fears, and my own childhood )