The Madness of Love

On the Dark Side of the Moon

How far will you go to bring back a loved one?



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On the Dark Side of the Moon

I see you on the dark side of the moon.
You stand alone with eyes glazed,
staring into your inner soul.

The moon is the cavern of your secrets.
You walk within its shadows,
prowling, a panther in need.

I hear your yowls of self-inflicted injury.
You shut me out, but still, I see them,
and I know the specter that rides you in the night.

You turn and glance at me with eyes of disillusion.
Within them lies no spark of hope;
you see only what you think you see.

“Search my heart, oh, bruised and tender soul.
Let my eyes display the wonders of this earth.
I shall walk you through the soft, green grasses.

“No, please do not turn away again.
The moon’s dark cannot be the moth’s light.
It is the earth that holds our visions.”

You do not answer; your eyes have flown upward.
Once again you skulk the dark side of the moon.
My tears fall unseen; you do not notice.

I have brought a single yellow daffodil,
Placed in the plastic vase that sits upon your tray.
I remove it now and fold your hands about it.

“This is the earth,” I shout in desperation.
“Feel its caress. Open to its beauty!”
Your hand loosens. The flower drops.

My anger has taken away my tears.
I've forgotten you are not an earthbound soul.
Perhaps, I must depart to bring you home.

I raise my eyes and gaze fully at the moon.
It glows with a wondrously, welcome light.
I shut down my judgment and journey forth.

Once there, I stretch out my hand.
I take up yours and kiss its softness.
I am glad I now stroll beside you.

My heart knows the flight of joy,
Even though we both are hiking
On the dark side of the moon.

“It is lovely here,” I say,
“But remember, my dear husband,
The moon has two sides.”

For a moment your eyes search mine.
You have not noticed me in months.
You blink and look away. It is enough.

We walk. We hold hands. I am content.
It will do us good to walk in moondust.
Maybe one day, we shall reach the light.



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