Not since 1977 has a full moon adorned the Christmas sky. In honor of this stunning moon and in memory of my mother, Eleanor S. Morrison, I’m sharing this poem written last February on the anniversary of her death.
Tripudium
by Melanie S. Morrison
One of her secret pleasures
made known only
to an intimate circle of friends
—good chance my father never knew.
On cloudless nights
just before dawn
stepping between shadows
on the circular driveway
in that pink and white flannel
nightgown
with the mandarin collar reaching
just above her earlobes
three steps forward
bow
two steps back
bend
arms raised to the moon
a woman in her eighties
savoring each lunar phase.
Note to reader: The word “tripudium” is derived from Latin and signifies an ancient religious dance.
© 2015 Melanie S. Morrison – All rights reserved.
