Solitary Moonbeams

By Lynn Kowal

This eclectic collection of poems ranges from the romantic (The Affair) to the frightening (The Storm) and is not without social commentary (Strings Attached). Intensely-descriptive language and evocative imagery transport the reader to faraway lands. Reminiscent of Arthur Rimbaud’s technique, a colorful palette is used to create vibrant scenes which delight the mind’s eye. Nature is a dominate theme throughout, with a focus on the seasons. In fact, All the World Was Still was composed on a ski lift in the dead of winter. Finally, for those with a scientific inclination, Astrophysics: The Journey and Non Sequitur: Seven Vignettes, with their references to astronomy and physics, do not disappoint.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781640823549

Book preview

Primavera

The wind moaned in the branches

As the sky released its starlings

Is it true what they say:

The first green of spring is gold?

The willows wept when they told me so.

The tulips shivered along the banks

Where the grass met the flowing stream

Reflecting pink and yellow and red in the dark blue water

The colors moving, swirling, carried on the powerful current

Fed by melting snow from high in the mountains above.

And the willows’ leaves shone gold

In the rays of the setting sun.

Eternal Rest

Bells rang in the distance

Imposing a sense of order

On this gilded space

Split open by the rapier spire

Of a white New England church

Notes that fields in the distance echoed

And mountains farther still, sent back

In waves that knew no bounds and

Found no sandy shore

On which to rest their languid tones,

Lay flat their ancient bones.

Yet behind the ivy-covered walls

Among the mossy churchyard stones

Is where they finally settled down

And where they found repose.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude

I’ve always regretted not having seen The Gates

Not having witnessed the colorful fabric, billowing in the breeze

Not having sauntered beneath those saffron panels, enjoying Central Park in a new light.

And now she’s gone or did he pass away?

I no longer recall.

Perhaps they’re both creating art in a different dimension

Responsible for designing celestial patterns

Using clouds and reflected sunlight

As an ethereal palette to take our breath away.

The Affair

Well, it’s very French, you know, Monique responded

When I told her Jean-Luc had spent the night

French or not, he’s married and this cannot be right.

Oh, but it’s so romantic! Monique remained enthusiastic.

Yes, it