A Rattlesnake Moon (Ghazal) Poem by Ben Gieske
A Rattlesnake Moon (Ghazal)
Have you ever, he said, seen a rattlesnake moon?
Never, ever, I said. What's a rattlesnake moon?
One that captures solar light, soaking up its heat.
Surely, I said, I have seen that rattlesnake moon.
One that holds you tight with its swoon of dreamy light.
Oh, I said, I've been bitten by rattlesnake moon.
One that strikes, injects you with the bite of love.
Yes, I said, a victim of a rattlesnake moon.
One that shuns the clouds driving the shadows away.
That, I said, could not be a rattlesnake moon.
One that sheds it skin at night, bedevils in black.
How, I said, I gladly miss that rattlesnake moon.
One that frightens daylight out of you with delight.
Ah, I said, Ben told me of that rattlesnake moon.
*This was published online by The Ghazal Page in July of 2008.
See:
http: //www.ghazalpage.net/2008/moon_challenge/2008_moon_radif.html
this rattle snake gazal rattles...but happily 'the snake lies caged' inside the poem frame! ten cheers for the snake charmer poet...
the venom is malicious and yet sweet...........that's rattlesnake moon.....you wanted to avoid but still longing for.....great write ben!
A stunning mythic vision told in the context of a fascinating form. Your companion piece, Cheesy Moon, is equally captivating.
definitely a different kind of mon-and i thought I knew all of its phases! ! ! ! a ten from me.
I am a great admirer of Ghazals of Ghalib of India. Have you read Ghalib, Rumi, Saadi, Siraji and Iqbal?
Eloquent, lyrical and provocative. I agree with Will that you you are a very fine wordsmith. Warm regards, Sandra
Truly a delight to read: a feast for the auditor - to be read aloud. What music, what meaning - and something more. - Will
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/2/2024 1:40:54 AM # 1.0.0.1119
I've never seen a rattlesnake moon but you've intrigued me with the notion. Lovely. Fx