Starlight, Starbright
Starlight through the skylight
Moonlight just above the roof
Fireflies flickering flames
Random to our eyes
In a dizzying mercurial display
Flitting to the tune
Of trilling frogs
And the flutter of batwings
I see goblins in the windows
Alone would be terrified
With you here beatified
By the beauty of the silence
Punctuated by the frogs
Spotlighted by the moon
And the sparkling stars
Whose dust makes up
These rented bodies we carry
While inside heartbeats
Tick away our lives
To the beat of a flashing firefly
Or a flickering star.
MOONSIDE 
You sent a tingle up my spine with that!
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July 14, 2014 at 11:16 AM
You are very responsive! May I ask you, and you don’t have to answer, but do you do any form of meditation? You wrote me a very wise comment about meditation in general so I am curious.
On Mon, Jul 14, 2014 at 11:16 AM, MOONSIDE wrote:
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July 14, 2014 at 1:06 PM
I underwent a pretty rigorous training in Vipassana Buddhism for 20 years in mid-life (4-8 hours seated a day – crazy!). Then I developed a variant upon that which leant more to a Zen-like approach and which suited my character better; and that’s what I’ve been doing since the millennium turned. I call it contemplation rather than meditation because it’s not object-oriented or concentration-based; though it is a formal seated practice nonetheless.
I love the photo at the top of this post by the way Ellen.
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July 14, 2014 at 3:39 PM
Well, that is all very impressive and it shows. I mean that in the best possible way. I wish I had started on the path earlier and hope I can stick it out now. Thank you for answering my question and thanks for the compliment on the photo. Warmest regards, Ellen
On Mon, Jul 14, 2014 at 3:39 PM, MOONSIDE wrote:
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July 14, 2014 at 8:21 PM
‘Well, that is all very impressive.’
One might equally say it’s proof positive of my own lack of perspicacity!
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July 14, 2014 at 8:27 PM
I don’t know you, of course. But it seems to me to be a wonderful foundation on which you have built your practice of today. My mother used to say no experience is a waste of time. I think she was right, I can say now, looking back.
On Mon, Jul 14, 2014 at 8:27 PM, MOONSIDE wrote:
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July 14, 2014 at 8:45 PM
Yes, your mother was right Ellen. And I certainly don’t mean to suggest that Vipassana is anything other than an exceptionally powerful practice – that is precisely what it is.
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July 15, 2014 at 5:44 AM
I don’t have words to tell you how beautiful this poem is together with the photo, which fits perfectly. I can really feel the atmosphere you describe. This is one of the most beautiful poems I have ever read. Congratulations and hope you are fine, warmest regards to an esteemed poet
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July 14, 2014 at 11:39 AM
Dear Mitza, thank you so very much for such a compliment! I think it resonated for you because you feel many of the same things. I see it in your art and the poem I read of yours. I hope your back is better. Hope you didn’t hurt it falling. Got your very interesting email and will be writing soon. Until then, be well and happy. Warmest wishes and gratitude, Ellen
On Mon, Jul 14, 2014 at 11:39 AM, MOONSIDE wrote:
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July 14, 2014 at 1:10 PM
Beautiful, as always.
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July 14, 2014 at 7:15 PM
Gorgeous, Ellen! I felt transported to a magical summer’s eve located just outside of time’s reach.
Michael
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July 14, 2014 at 8:14 PM
Michael, I am so honored that you felt that way. Thank you– it means a lot to me.
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July 14, 2014 at 8:47 PM
Reblogged this on MOONSIDE and commented:
Another reblog…
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September 9, 2021 at 5:18 PM