when the moon stands still

shall i remember

the torpor

that waxed

these many months

like the moon fixed in place

because the earth stopped spinning

no

there was no victory won

here on the plain

among these wilted waves of grain

the harvest ungathered

the workers unscattered

full heads of wheat drooping

for holding back tears

beset by fears

snickering intermittently

with an eye to torture long

God stops the earth to stay the sun

for mercy’s sake

so who holds the night in prolonged

memorial song?

still

something grew despite the night

like hidden light under a bushel

the moon’s chest swelled

as if casting a spell

over the shadow crop

“do thou likewise

keep standing

stay uncut”

i have attempted to contain

this sobbing in vain

let go of the pain

if what i have to give

will not be gathered

then let it be scattered

on the ground

let it die to live

to give tomorrow

a sporting chance

see

the new stalks are already growing

and i do believe

i hear the river flowing once again

when the moon stands still

a poem by troy cady