Starlight In The Garden of Neon And Insomnia

Is there sky beyond neon
or a moon that doesn’t
have a belly full of electricity?

There used to be stars
in the garden, but streetlights
have swallowed the Milky Way.

I remember midnight when
it was a cradle of shadows,
not this kilowatt blinding insomnia.

Is this what it feels like to be ancient,
a voice crying through electric chords,
Please dim the lights so I can see heaven?


©Susie Clevenger 2016

Day 14 #NaPoWriMo 2016

Comments

debi said…
City living is not for me
This is brilliant and lovely - I esp love the first stanza
Maude Lynn said…
I miss being able to see the stars. This is beautifully done, Susie.
Sanaa Rizvi said…
If only we could see the stars more clearly.. sigh.
Beautifully executed.

Lots of love,
Sanaa
Oh I so miss those few times when lived where I could see the magnificent night sky without that interference. (Well, I miss them in that respect - but I guess we can't have it both ways.)
Outlawyer said…
I am lucky to live in a very remote place for at least part of my life. This is just beautiful, Susie. A new favorite. K.
brudberg said…
Oh the light pollution is so sad... I crave the stars someday (though there is always a less to see on summer nights far north as I live)
Kerry O'Connor said…
Your opening rhetorical question invites agreement. We have given up too much in our quest to live a civilized life.
Hannah said…
Gracious...you've embodied the full effect of the neon and electricness...your opening wowed my pants off!! Love it!
Carrie Van Horn said…
i used to live out in the country when i was a kid...and the stars shines so bright and lovely then....I love the line "but streetlights have swallowed the milkyway"....so very true and eloquently spoken Susie!!
Ron. said…
Still plenty of dark up here in The Northeast Kingdom, especially up on Telfer Hill, well outside the village and nearly 25 miles from town. It's one of the things that keeps me here.