HARVEST MOON - (Sestina)
In August and September, when the harvest is being gathered home,
And birds are gathering ready for their long migratory roam,
Have you ever noticed the size of the full moon at night?
It seems at least three times it’s normal size and so very bright.
It appears closer to the earth as it hangs in the velvet sky,
I often wonder this curious mind of mine, why, oh why?

Seeing the harvest moon dimming earthly light, I ask why
Is there so much beauty for me to see on my way home?
Beauty of the stars like diamonds in a sable coloured sky,
A friendly haven near a stream when you sometimes roam,
A sunset that fills a weary heart with a new hope so bright,
Then wander by the lake and see moon shadows at night.

Then, with heart full of love, I should sweetly pray at night
For the answers given as I just asked that question why,
It is because God loves us, wants our lives to be bright,
Giving us simple things that will guide us all to His home,
And help us to keep on the straight and narrow, never to roam
Along a path of darkness, for we see the harvest moon in the sky.

There may be some scientific reason for a large moon up in the sky,
That make it seem almost as bright as day, not really night,
But as I gaze in wonder at beauty, no matter how far I may roam,
I’ll look heavenward for the answers to the many questions of ‘why’,
I want to learn about all the good things that will lead ne safely home,
The tilt of the earth may be the reason why the moon is big and bright,

But I like to think and believe that the real reason why it is so bright,
And why there are millions of shining stars in the somber night sky,
Is because God loves me, and this will help me find my heavenly home,
He will always be close beside me even through a moonless night,
I don’t think He will ask me when I enter in the reason why
The harvest moon was large, just I knew He loved me as I did roam.

So as through life I go and marvel at the beauty as I often roam,
I’ll look for things that are lovely, beautiful, pure and bright,
No longer needing the answers, for I know the that when I ask why,
It’s because the God I worship is in His heaven beyond the sky,
So with gratitude and love I will pray both day and night,
That my actions, thought and deeds will lead me safely home.

I’ll prayer where ever I roam, as I gaze at the moon in the sky,
Pray to keep my pathway bright, even through the darkest night
With a heart that knows why, I will find my way back home.
24-april-2001 © M Ann Margetson

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