Threadbare

thin moon hangs in the blurring light
when the red tape of work ends 
day's end
before darkness darts onto idling pillows

a too slight shine to navigate the strain of living
wounds unstitched
like a heart unhealing from over-crowded transgressions
a feel that's too familiar 
nestled in the treads of tired
where we can't always control the skidding

crescent moon
dangling, unsettled in the sky
                                  shrunk in a sparseness of graying
pinched edges from a light threadbare
unable to lift toil from labor's bones
haggling for some salvation
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Cornish Avatar
January 21, 2025 at 6:55 AM
You're a true poet, I tire of reading the obvious (which we all can see), instead, a true poet, helps us see what is behind the obvious and into our own souls too seldom searched...
Sambourne Avatar
January 21, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Thanks very much for your thoughtful, supportive comments. Frequently I do slip into the obvious + commonplace in my writing. I have loads of crumpled scribbles to attest to that. Originality can be elusive. Nevertheless your words are most encouraging indeed.
La France Avatar
April 23, 2024 at 5:27 AM
Brian, congratulations on your win in my contest with this wonderful poem, Constance
Sambourne Avatar
April 23, 2024 at 9:40 AM
Thank you, Constance.
Beaufort Avatar
March 29, 2024 at 9:32 AM
Brian, there are as you point out, a lot of challenges and reminders of them as well. At least the moon cycles and becomes full each lunar month. Your poetry provides much for me to think about. Thanks for writing with a style that's not too complex and not too simple. It's writing in the Goldilocks zone for us ordinary people! You made me smile today!
Sambourne Avatar
March 29, 2024 at 4:01 PM
Very thoughtful of you to note a writing objective - to be comprehensible without being lost in an esoteric stew. I especially like your description of the Goldilocks zone - no extremes but accessible to as many readers as possible. Much appreciation for your thoughtful input into my postings. Be well. Brian
Wells Avatar
March 23, 2024 at 4:59 PM
The moon is often a symbol of lunacy and I like the way you work with this metaphor by connecting it to "over-crowded transgressions," which creatively describes the insanity we make in our lives. Nicely done!
Sambourne Avatar
March 25, 2024 at 1:57 PM
Hello Thomas, So true in that moon is often associated with lunacy, especially when full. The slivered moon here is weak and threadbare, just as a heavy laden populace suffers below, their energy sheared to threads. Thank you for calling attention to the merged metaphor. Wishing you health as spring buds + sprouts. Brian
Kendrick Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 12:19 AM
Sometimes in life we are threadbare tired from stress of everyday living. In times like those, I have found doing a little something different at least once a week helps a body to keep on keeping on. Thanks for sharing this one and for dropping by my page. Sara K
Sambourne Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 5:45 AM
Greetings Sara, Very true. We are often threadbare from tasks as you note. I tried to tie a slip of a moon to the weariness of a laborer below, but it didn't place well in a contest. Even the light is threadbare. Still, I am not unhappy with the poem. Look after yourself + have a grand spring. Brian
Baker Avatar
March 14, 2024 at 9:30 PM
Very creative Free Verse poetry, Brian. Great entry for the contest. Good luck! A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Sambourne Avatar
March 14, 2024 at 10:16 PM
Thanks very much Bill. I hope all is well with you. We've been reading about fires in the Texas panhandle. Take care. Brian
Victor Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 1:55 PM
You're really talented Brian Nice one I loved reading it Please follow me
Sambourne Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 1:59 PM
So thoughtful of you to see value in my work. I look forward to more of your postings. Sincerest regards always, Brian
Rodrigues Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 1:01 PM
Great, Brian! …wounds unstitched… heart unhealing from over-crowded transgressions…haggling for some salvation
Sambourne Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 1:57 PM
My appreciation for your stop by and supportive note, Kim. A slip of a moon had me thinking about limited light on laborers heavy laden in toil. I hope that you are well. Brian
Victor Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 11:31 PM
Wow!!! Impressive Keep it up I'm a new poet and please support me in any way you can
Sambourne Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 6:34 AM
Thank you for your kind comment. Welcome to Poetry Soup. I will read your postings. Best wishes, Brian
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