Voice presentation via Adobe Voice
One step from moon’s wan halo
a man can disappear
if no one saw him walk away
then was he ever here?
Perhaps he’s glimpsed by moonglow
some trick of eye-blinked night
a shadow on a beach pool
on earth’s shore at twilight
The sea drinks falling starshine
then flaunts a shimmer faint
if one walks towards horizon
their silhouette is framed
The new moon touching water
lays down a stepped contour
that paves the waves invitingly
to some it’s like a lure
A vague shade weighs the stair now
its outline waning slow
in time it is not there at all
dissolved into the flow
One step from moon’s wan halo
the cloud-cloak lends a pall
I wonder was it me I saw
or was I there at all?
Fugitive Fragments 
Beautiful poem! I especially love its title and the play on words, enigma/n – As a non native speakers reading poetry is extremely important as I (try to) write properly in English, without translating from French, my first language. I also love the last stanza. You write original and very profound poetry. Thanks for visiting my blog and following it. Keep in touch 🙂 Kind regards from France / amitiés. FGM
Merci bien FGM for your reading and such positive feedback. It must be quite challenging to interpret poetry in a second language – commendable.
I enjoyed this very much, Mike. The images all worked for me. Real fine rhythm, inside and outside rhymes, echoing the opening in the final couplets – really well done. —Chagall
Your sharp analysis of this piece is not only a delight to receive C. but indicates the time and thought that you put into it. I am sincerely appreciative.
I love the format you have given this intriguing piece Mike, very fine writing.
Thank you respected poet, your words are warming.
Philosophical and delightful to read.
I’m pleased that you enjoyed this piece benjamin and I thank you for pausing to say so.
Welcome again. It’s nice to have found your blog. I can tell you have written much that I would enjoy reading on.
I love the lyrical flow to this poem and the teasing images – brilliant last verse !
I blush dsc but am delighted that you got the verbal images central to this piece. I thank you sincerely for reading, feedback and your kind compliment.
This is absolutely beautiful. Haunting. It leaves me with a feeling of melancholy and longing. Love it!
So glad with your experience of this piece Jenna and your resonating response. I thank you.
Very moving work Mike, and I’m glad Rowan convinced you to add audio.
Yes, I think the reading went ‘as well as could be expected’ 😀 I’m flattered that you chose to listen and thank you for your positive words.
I understand the feeling. I still approach the recording of my poetry at my second blog with a little trepidation each time 🙂 It’s especially frustrating if I have a good reading, and then discover on playback that the fan was squeaking, or a car drove by at an inopportune time, lol.
Poetry lives differently in each mind, the recipient’s, and the creator’s. I wonder how often they match, when not vocalized?
Keep up the great work.
Thank you for finding me. This is so smooth and flowing and I enjoyed it beyond words. Cannot wait to explore more. Peace, Kim .
Thanks for you kind words Kim and I look forward to enjoying more of your fine work. Namaste, Mike
something about it…i’ve read it now a dozen times in the past 3 days…dunno if that constitutes a proper comment, just thought i’d let you know anyway 🙂
A powerful comment – either my tendrils touch deeper than I could have hoped or you hear the echo of the whole sea…
who knows…but on a serious note, “lost” a couple of friends last year, still trying to wrap my mind around it all
I know where you’re at. For what it’s worth, the head never wraps it up – and maybe that’s how it should be – but the frequency of the visits diminishes. I do empathise.
What a beautiful and touching poem. Love the imagery and listening is very soothing as well.
So pleased that you enjoyed both formats Cheryl-Lynn and thank you for your welcome affirmation.
You’ve calmed me down no end, Mike, bless you. In a manic midtown Manhattan your words acted are a salve.
😉
One step from Midtown’s madness
A girl can disappear
She credits poet miles away
But it’s her heart she hears
Mike, on bended knee, I beg you to offer us an audio version. This is so wonderful – I just want to close my eyes and see the vision while the words are read!
Paying attention to what you have to say has not steered me wrong to date RT; ergo, ’tis done!
Thank you so much, Mike – that’s perfect and I shall be fondly replaying. I’m very touched by the dedication…
…and I thank you again for your sage advice and compliments H.
Some lyrical and evocative lines, Mike:
“some trick of eye-blinked night.” Great ending.
Your reading and analysis is always very much appreciated HW, thank you.
Beautiful passages. Nicely woven together.
The weaver is delighted that his loom pleases – thanks Chrissy.
My pleasure Mike! So witty.
Lovely word craft! It reminded me of the atmosphere of The Listeners by de la Mere.
You’ve carried me back to the classroom with that comparison – is it a silver tongue you have behind that voice? 😉 Thank you kindly TSV for this affirmation which is much appreciated.
Some beautiful lines Mike – these ones in particular P
erhaps he’s glimpsed by moonglow
some trick of eye-blinked night
a shadow on a beach pool
Hi pearlz. You’ve picked up on where I tried to set the umbral nature of the scene – and indeed struggled with it for some time so it’s especially nice to have a reader single it out. My appreciation and thanks.
You’re welcome.
This is beautiful Mike! I particularly love this line: The sea drinks falling starshine. Your rhythm gives it a very lulling, wavelike feel—wonderfully crafted.
This is praise indeed Angela – thank you for such profound appreciation and encouragement.
This is an incredible piece of writing. xo
High approbation indeed Debra – thank you very much.
G’Day, I can’t but with agree with the comments thus far Mike, another cracking poem, long may they continue flow.
Thanks Chris.
I too like this poem, Mike, it has its own integrity. Repetition is used well and the imagery is most evocative.
Your analysis and appraisal is always welcome and greatly appreciated Polly. Many thanks.
Lovely:-)
Thanks for taking the time to read and leave this positive feedback Chloe – it is very much appreciated.
You are very welcome:-)
Very nice; deep, thought provoking.
Pleased that this resonated with you Steve. Thank you kindly.
Beautiful flow and rhythm. Equally beautiful imagery and meaning. Such depth in the softness of this write.
Your reading and analysis is valued and greatly appreciated. Thank you for your own lyrical and poetic words.
You are publishing your poems? This one is a timeless classic. Bravo.
I blush biochicklet. Thank you for this strong affirmation.
this is beautiful, thank you x
I’m very pleased that you connected with this piece and thank you for your welcome feedback.