My 12-year-old student, A.L., who wrote this memorable poem was inspired by another poem, which I read to her, "Grass," by Carl Sandburg (click on the poem's title to read it). A.L. was deeply moved by the idea of the grass growing innocently and beautifully over the very grounds upon which battles occurred, grounds that were soaked in blood before they were covered by green. I am so impressed by the depth and drama of her "The Man in the Moon" that I wanted to share it with you as further proof that poetry prompts some of the most introspective writing.
The Man in the Moon
The Man in the Moon looks at the green-blue planet below him,
And can’t help but think,
That through all of its beauty,
And all of its brilliance,
There are things that clash in the World of Man.
The Man in the Moon can’t help but see,
With unblinking eyes,
The battles and bloodshed that have passed by,
The shots that echoed around the world,
The Declaration of Independence,
The Battle of Gettysburg, of Clouds, of Bunker Hill,
And the Man in the Moon wonders,
“How can brothers turn on each other without a second thought?”
But he cannot close his eyes,
As he watches families brutally destroyed,
Because of different loyalties and of switching sides,
He sees the bodies of fallen soldiers, lying broken and at peace,
Painting the once green grass an ugly shade of red.
The Man in the Moon cannot talk, nor say prayers for the dead,
Instead, he weeps rays of moonlight.
HE WEEPS RAYS OF MOONLIGHT. WOW.
PLEASE leave a comment below for this talented poet!