Poetry

Susan Melkisethian photo

By

Ken Gierke

What to Do When the Moon Won’t Be Your Mistress

Clouds will not be parted by presumptuous hands.

Yes, it may be a thin veil that separates you,

but it may as well be a swimsuit

worn by a young teen who is not impressed

by machismo worn like entitlement.

True, there is no need to silence her

when the vacuum of space buffers better

than loud music in a remote second-floor bedroom,

but even your clouded judgment must see

she cannot be restrained.

You may think you can bare the moon.

After all, boys will be boys. Besides, who would tell?

But if she finds her voice, others will question you,

so keep a calendar. It could turn the tide

if you need to talk your way out of anything.

Better yet, have a stiff drink

and keep your hands to yourself.

Ken Gierke

Ken Gierke started writing poetry in his forties, but found new focus when he retired. It also gave him new perspectives, which come out in his poetry, primarily in free verse and haiku. More of his work can be found at https://rivrvlogr.wordpress.com.