Nine Ways of Shaping the Moon
for Lissa
1
Tilt your head and laugh
until the night bends
and I see only you.
2
Weave the wind into a song.
Rub its fabric over your skin.
For whom does it speak?
3
Remove all stars and streetlights.
Remove thought, remove voice.
Remove me. But do not remove yourself.
4
Tear the clouds into threads
and place them in layered circles.
Then breathe slowly into my ear.
5
Drink deeply. Raise your eyes to the brightness
above the cedars. Observe their motion
through the empty glass. Repeat.
6
Talk music to me. Talk conspiracies
and food and dogs and rain. Do this
under the wild night sky.
7
Harvest red pollen from the trees.
Cast it about the room
and look through the haze.
8
From the bed, gaze into the mirror.
The reflection you see is the darkness
absorbing your glow.
9
Fold the light around us, and listen.
You are the moon in whose waters
I would gladly drown.
First posted in October 2014, “Nine Ways of Shaping the Moon” also appears in my chapbook, If Your Matter Could Reform.
Beautiful. Thank you for this.
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You’re very kind, JC. Thank you.
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Pure alchemy. A breathtaking Valentine!
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Thank you, Angela.
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beautiful
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Thank you, Manivillie.
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~sigh~
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🙂
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I love the way you take such liberty with the images; wish I was as courageous. Absolutely delicious! May I reblog?
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The words rarely slap me around for my transgressions, but sometimes I do feel a bit sheepish… Yes, please feel free to reblog anything on this site.
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Very funny
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So beautiful!
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Thank you, Leslie!
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Reblogged this on Praying for Eyebrowz and commented:
Oh! That’s what I said when I finished reading this. Oh! Read more at robertokaji.com.
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Thanks for reblogging!
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My pleasure.
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Reblogged this on One Woman's Quest and commented:
Found this delightful poem that I wanted to share with you dear readers. Robert is a gifted poet, as you shall read.
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Thank you for reblogging.
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Nice to be able to share the genius of others!
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And thanks for your extremely kind words.
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“Tilt your head and laugh
until the night bends
and I see only you….”
The best description of falling in love… ever. 900 stars out of 5! Cho – kirei, Okaji-sama.
Pure, clean, beauty, truth: 奇麗
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Thank you, Daniel!
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Your work is above form and considerations… and feels true.
Like the sky ringing in an empty bell… desu ne!
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Even tongueless bells sing.
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This is fantastic. lovely. inspiring as always.
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Thank you, Dermot.
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Wow
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Thanks, Derrick!
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Very Nice! 🙂
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Thanks very much.
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A simple, yet intricate and soothing mix, which causes one to stop, listen, and more importantly,
feel.
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Simplicity is the key. Thank you.
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I have and will read it so many times!
“Tilt your head and laugh
until the night bends
and I see only you.” I hear music in this!
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I’m grateful for your comment, and so pleased that you hear the music.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you.
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Thanks for liked my story !
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Thanks for writing it.
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i will do my best !
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If Your Matter Could Reform contains a lot of beauty . . . but this poem is in my experience the most lovely.
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Thank you, Jan!
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Lovely. Really stunning.
This: “Tilt your head and laugh
until the night bends
and I see only you.”
My own words failing me now.
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So pleased you liked it Merril. Thank you.
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❤
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🙂
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Good to see this one again, Robert. One of my favorites of yours.
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It never would have been written if not for your Full Moon Social, Jeff.
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We must do another one soon!
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Yes!
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Beautiful..
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Thanks very much.
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This is so good! “Fold the light around us”… just thinking of neatly folding moonlight like paper and then tucking myself into a lil envelope made of that 🙂
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Thank you.
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Loved this the first time I read it, and love it still
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Thanks, C. Maybe I should draft more poetry on my phone while at the gym…
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Oh my. Awakens the senses! Thank you!
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Glad it resonates with you. Thanks.
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Oh this is so beautiful! I read this twice, and both times so amazing.
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But what happens on the third time? 🙂
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on the third…images conjured right in the moon, in 9 different ways. 😉
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There is a whole book in this one simple poem, Robert, and it is unforgettable.
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Oh, George. You’ve made my day. Thank you.
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Reblogged this on What I write and commented:
Every once in a while there is a poem that is so simple and moving, that I have to share it with my readers. Robert Okaji is one of my favorite poets; this gem is unforgettable.
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Thank you for reblogging this, George, and for the kind words.
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Had me holding my breath; I adore this one!
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Thank you, Kim. Much appreciated.
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Lovely work!
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Thank you, Michael.
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This is a poem that rewards with every reading, so haiku-like. And so very beautiful, Bob! “Fold the light around us, and listen” – stunning! And today I shall fold your poem around me, and really listen. Thanks!
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Thank you, Lynne. This one is safe to fold – the edges aren’t too sharp.
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Absolutely stunning! This poem is a bright light in my day. Thank you for sharing 🙂
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You’ve made my day, Jessica. Thank you.
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Very lovely.
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Thank you.
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How beautiful!
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Thanks, V. Much appreciated.
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The skill you employ with which to paint with words leaves me speechless… Dumbstruck. Bravo! So very beautiful 🌓
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You are always so kind, Krys. Thank you.
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Reblogged this on Life in Rhymes / Vida em Versos and commented:
From a fellow poet from the 30/30 Project… enjoy!
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Thanks for reblogging this, Flavia!
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Incredible poem! I’m very glad to find your site today!
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Thank you! I’m pleased to have found your site, too.
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Really enjoy #2… Very nice imagery! You certainly have a gift with words.
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Thanks, Jason. You are very kind.
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Gorgeous — in word, in imagery. My mind’s eye fills.
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Thank you, Carrie.
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Wow! I was overwhelmed by the intense passion in this one. It elevated more and more, stanza by stanza.
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Thanks, Kate. We’ve been together a while…
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Love the question in 2 and number 9.
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Thanks, D!
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Reblogged this on A Whispered Wind and commented:
Powerful imagery, beautifully penned!
Comments are closed. Please visit Robert’s blog to leave a comment. Thanks!
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Thanks for reblogging, Lori. Much appreciated.
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Anytime, Robert 🙂
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It seems I will need to check out this chapter book of yours. Again, kudos.
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Thanks again. I’ve been very pleased with the response to it.
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So romantic…
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Thanks very much.
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Beautiful poem. The moon has long been one of my personal connections. As in “a womb can bloom, like a full moon.” Now I want to get a mobile with moons hanging from it.:)
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Thank you!
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I love your imagery – a beautiful poem. Thankyou!
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I’m so pleased you like it. Thank you.
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So good to meet a poem that demands my slow, delicate attention. Thank you.
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Thank you!
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