The end of Lockdown: The Return is nearly over! I was caught unawares as I had thought it rumbled on for a few more days. Not sure how much of a difference it makes personally as we’ve gone back to not being allowed to meet with anyone indoors so….. Although I appreciate it is a massive relief if you own a business that has been closed. And psychologically it will feel different. I almost feel sad about not choosing a poem a day anymore, even on the days it has been a struggle, I have generally really enjoyed discovering new and old poetry. I might start posting a monthly or weekly poem. Anyway, was looking for something fitting to finish this series. Started with Roald Dahl but nothing fitted. Then thought about the beginning of Advent and December. This random internet wandering brought me to this poem by Walter de la Mare. There are so many Christmas lights up already, I got thinking about light in the darkness. Seemed fitting as we end Lockdown. I’ve been meaning to read more poetry by Walter de la Mere to the children as there are some lovely editions of his poems. This poem focusing on the moon also marks a passing period of time, just like we have been in from the beginning of Lockdown with the full moon just after half term, in full Autumn, to now the start of winter and the promise of Christmas.
Silver
Slowly, silently, now the moon
Walks the night in her silver shoon;
This way, and that, she peers, and sees
Silver fruit on silver trees;
One by one the casements catch
Her beams beneath the silvery thatch;
Couched in his kennel, like a log,
With paws of silver, sleeps the dog;
From their shadowy cote the white breasts peep
Of doves in silvered feathered sleep
A harvest mouse goes scampering by, With silver claws, and silver eye;
And moveless fish in the water gleam,
By silver reeds in a silver stream.
1913.