
that photo-negative sun
when I close my eyes
When the pun is this unsubtle, it’s definitely a senryu. Stock-market volatility and a neighbor’s ramshackle deer stand inspired this, as did a lifetime’s fascination with afterimages and yes, last night’s almost full moon going in and out of the clouds.
This is such a good ‘reversal’ of what we see (or what we think we see) and also what we expect of a ‘moon’ poem. It’s the phrase ‘photo-negative sun’ that clinches it – so unusual and highly contemporary, yet totally at home in this context. I’m really enjoying your posts Dave – and in awe of your productivity!
Julie x
Thanks, Julie. I felt I couldn’t use the term “black sun” due to its neo-Nazi overtones, and I don’t think the technical term “afterimage” is widely enough known. Of course, for people too young to remember analog cameras, the language I decided to use might be even more obscure! Anyway, I’m glad you’re enjoying this spate of posts. I’m sure I’ll slow down by late spring if not before.