Pagosa Springs Artists

A Night Like This

Was it a night like this, gibbous amber moon
silently rising, secreted behind a curtain
of cloud, hazy yellow evening air thick
with the pungent scent of tree pollen?

Was it a night like this, hill slope garden
darkened, a sturdy vine with outstretched limbs
preaching its faithful, painful lesson
to both teacher and his friends?

Was it a night like this, sleeping city unprepared,
creation unaware except for the faraway stars
coldly watching the shameful plot unfold,
nailed eternally to the black vault of night sky?

Was it a night like this, midnight breeze stirring
telltale shivers, torchlight writhing, night creatures
crying out when a trusted companion
leaned close to plant the fatal kiss?

Was it a night like this, bonfire throwing off
borrowed courage, smoke not screening
a Galilean's lies (Peter's betrayal bitterly lived to
his own cross, martyrdom far better than Judas' bitter end)

 

 

first published in Poetry of the Spirit Anthology

©2009 Bonnie Manion

   

Poem of the Month

  • April - 2024
  • ""
  • March - 2024
  • ""
  • February - 2024
  • ""
  • January - 2024
  • ""
  • December - 2023
  • ""
  • November - 2023
  • ""
  • October - 2023
  • ""
  • September - 2023
  • ""
  • August - 2023
  • ""
  • July - 2023
  • ""
  • June - 2023
  • ""
  • May - 2023
  • ""