Moonlit Meander

Guest Contribution by Arianna Grindrod of Earthworks Programs

Moonlit Meander

By Arianna

The snow fell secretly the other night
blanketing the countryside in crystal white.
Soft whispers echoes
losing themselves in the distance
lulling all creatures to sleep.

Snow swept the ground quietly last night
hiding from the moon
lost in cloud cover.
I felt as though I were keeping the storm’s secrets as I
crept outside silently among the shadows.
I was watching for spirit snakes slithering across the field.

But tonight the moon and I keep no secrets.
Full and impregnated with winter chill
the moon exposes a white world.
We come out of our homes and illuminate the land
with the crispness of laughter
and the clarity of crunching snow.

We meander through this frostbitten swamp
delighting in the Ahh
the stark beauty of winter –
frozen limbs hanging low
icicles perching below river banks
the sounds of barred owls hooting in the trees
and surprised voices breaking through icy ground.

We etch this night into our memories
for before we want it
it is time to turn our faces into the darkness of sleep.

© Arianna Alexsandra Grindrod 2003, 2011

About Arianna:

Arianna holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Administration from Antioch New England Graduate School. She has over 20 years experience in teaching and curriculum development in the fields of environmental and community education. She has been poet since she was twelve years old. Arianna can be reached through www.earthworkprograms.com