Earth Abides

The moon,
seen dimly through wintry cloud
is a pale, blurred crescent.
What does it portend?

As I walk
the changing moon moves,
appearing ever brighter
in the even gaps
between tall cypresses.
Is it rising or setting?

Dusk deepens;
daily we live careless and forgetful
in the midst of mystery.

Beneath the streetlights we fail to heed it.
Yet nightly we are blessed
with the faithful support of the moon's lantern,
showing us our shadowy earthly path.

Though we forget her daily
in our careless unawareness,
each day in mysterious munificence
our earth abides.

Carol Tulpar
2011