Under the Waxing Moon

The Moon is almost...

Sullen skies forewarn the frozen shroud.
 Gale November winds sway bare limbed
trees, whistling in chorus with arrows of
Geese straining to steer south.

The familiar sound of the revolving lead 
Goose never wavers, but for tonight.

 A strange howl emanates from the current
commander, abandoning the customary 
bugling, not elongated; like a hound dogs
lament, but crisp & short, a howl.

 Alarm bells ring in the memory recall of my
dna...built-in decipher mechanisms fail,
all of this happening in split-seconds.
What prompted this auditory change?
what does this alternate sound signal?

 As quick as I heard it this twilight fall
evening, the Geese passed, the course they
were set upon unknown, circumstances
they encountered, not of my world,
the only sure thing,

 is wonder.

12/01/17
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Strand Avatar
September 23, 2021 at 3:18 AM
It was alliteration that first got me into poetics Jim,s they always hold a special affinity
Goff Avatar
September 23, 2021 at 8:28 PM
Hi Brian! inked at one writing @ dusk in the late, late fall one evening, deciphered a goose trying to catch up!
Lindley Avatar
July 26, 2018 at 4:57 PM
You my friend, wax eloquent with this superbly crafted piece! Love it- every verses , every deep insight portrayed in poetic verse! A fav, a glistening gem!
Goff Avatar
July 26, 2018 at 6:20 PM
Thank you, Robert!
Thomas Avatar
March 29, 2018 at 5:52 PM
Jim this is hauntingly beautiful!
Lovejoy-Burton Avatar
March 1, 2018 at 12:54 PM
LOVE THIS! Such a mega-talent to draw a person out of reality surrounds into the air flying with majestic wings. That is where I was ....and then transfigured to the mind standing firm on cold logical ground. V for Victory, to be flying with those birds. Beautiful story.
Deo Avatar
February 9, 2018 at 7:07 PM
Yes, Sir James, an astute and close observer makes a worthy poet! The slightest change in the call of the leader, and the V formation always maintained, to benefit from physics of least resistance for others, taking turn at the pint of the V ... victory in the Creator. They sure teach us many things, but most of all, how awesome (the real AWESOME, noetic experiences) even when baby deer (fawns) survive on bark when days of sub-zero weather kill hardy cows! Shalom my Brother in the LORD. Thanx, A
Hauser  Avatar
January 28, 2018 at 1:32 PM
Beautiful piece
Sands Avatar
January 28, 2018 at 11:44 AM
This is a very interesting poem and pleasant to read James! I enjoyed this :)
One Avatar
December 18, 2017 at 5:29 AM
Great imager James... great lines in this wonderful write..
Goff Avatar
December 18, 2017 at 7:51 AM
Thank you, Silent One!
Mohn Avatar
December 13, 2017 at 12:59 PM
wonderful Jim...I think there is a haiku hiding in here somewhere :) ...love your contemplation of nature!
Goff Avatar
December 14, 2017 at 12:15 PM
I had fun writing this in 5 minutes, David, true story! thank you!
Ashley Avatar
December 12, 2017 at 7:37 PM
Such enchanting sentiments of a chilly autumn evening in Minnesota James. Splendid imagery of the wonders of nature. 'Arrows of geese' - lovely poetry my friend.. ~Susan
Goff Avatar
December 14, 2017 at 12:14 PM
Thanks Susan!
Onclaud Avatar
December 10, 2017 at 12:31 PM
jimbo, mystical i should say...i was watching the full moon a few nights ago and your remarkable piece equals the beauty of its glow, notwithstanding the goose-imagery!..huggs
Goff Avatar
December 10, 2017 at 7:36 PM
Thank you Nette!
Krampe Avatar
December 5, 2017 at 6:59 AM
This is beautiful, James! I love the call of the wild geese; to me, it evokes something untamed and free and speaks to me. Thanks for capturing this moment in your poem. Fave.
Goff Avatar
December 5, 2017 at 7:37 AM
Thank you Agnes! agreed...Geese bugling & the haunting call of the Loon are two of many reasons I would live nowhere else in the world than Minnesota! (sheesh, but it did lay a blanket of snow down last nite! really beautiful outside! but a bit chilly I will say!)
Vaso Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 7:31 PM
Very beautiful poem, I was by the lake tonight and very much like this poem!
Goff Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 9:02 PM
Thanks Arthur, am beginning to feel with passing time, my most enjoyable poems to write are of the magic of nature, thanks for your support!
Pandit Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 6:31 AM
A wonderful depiction--images of sights and sounds-- well written, James!
Goff Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 8:39 AM
Thanks so much Vijay! quite perplexing! nature gets a bit wild at times here in Minnesota!
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