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.
Published by Dave Bonta
I live in an Appalachian hollow in the Juniata watershed of central Pennsylvania, and spend a great deal of time walking in the woods. My books of poetry include FAILED STATE: HAIBUN, ICE MOUNTAIN: AN ELEGY, BREAKDOWN: BANJO POEMS, and ODES TO TOOLS.
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2 Comments
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.
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.