
Photo by Matthew Kane on Unsplash
Monkey Pause
A troop of
young Japanese macaque
frantically chase
evening moon’s reflection
upon hot spring’s surface.
Moonbeams reflect,
refract, fragment, flitter,
fleeing tiny grasping fingers
scattering light
leaving callow plunderers only shivers
for their boundless efforts.
Matriarch and Alpha
observe the scene
sitting in silent stillness
warming, cooing,
grooming one another in the depths
content with the moon above
its countless illusions below
and the crisp air between.
Nothing is obtained
this moment is now
everything is as it is
what should be is trickery; just
moondust eluding monkey paws.
** *
Written for dVerse I Once Used an Earthquake–dVerse MTB: Symbolism, hosted by Victoria Slotto We were encouraged to write a symbolic poem. This one still feels a bit “on the nose”, but meh, I’ll take it.
Go here to read other poet’s contributions to this prompt.
Perhaps they are wise enough to know that if you chase illusions all you will get is an empty hand as opposed to mate that will groom you. Ha. Wait til I ask my wife to groom me. I may need a place to stay. Nice Barry.
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LOL! Just don’t tell her I put you up to it!
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Wow. I am quite smitten with this piece.
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I see a lot human in this, Barry. When we can read poems and seek for layers of meaning, we are sure to find that symbolism–or maybe we are chasing the moon.
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Moon dust eluding monkey paws…nice!
Dwight
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Thank you!
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I like, Barry!
Yes, desires often are seen as within hands grasp. but are a mere illusion…
Anna :o]
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Thanks, Anna! 🙂
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I like the thought of capturing the moment as it is… make the best of it (but of course it can’t be any better than being with your loved one in a hot spring)…
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Perfect moments, preserved in memory of hot spring grooming… lol. Thanks, man.
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Staying in the moment is what eludes me. I love this, Barry!
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Very Buddhist. Showing how much all us simians share.
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I liked these two lines: “content with the moon above
its countless illusions below”
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Thanks. 🙂
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Capture and treasure the moments Barry ~ Love: this moment is now!
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I’m trying to, Grace! Some days are tougher than others, but I’m learning to enjoy the time we have. Thank you!
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Monkeys glorious monkeys
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