Turn To The Ones Beside You Moon

Turn To The Ones Beside You Moon

Full Moon  January 13, 2025

This time, this life, with just this—

I talk myself dry until it rains & let go

up & out I reach into the wide thus

of our inescapable interdependence

here I find myself included, at home

among the frightened evacuees & hopeful migrants

at rest on the earth amidst oxalis’ yellow bloom

at peace with wind, snow, fire

all the warming due to burning

I find myself entirely whole & bereft

in abundance & scarcity, blame & shame

within the confusion of word & ideas

even great beings are turned around

so I am turned loudly & I turn again in silence

this life, this time, with just this

in one movement I step over grace

& see reflected all that is

witness myself as more than myself

each of these parts intrinsic to pattern

this hard-to-fathom turning

what is just this, who yearns

when & how may come clear

but why, but why—

why remains pregnant beyond conception

may I become courageous with you

may we be justice, just this

turn me for good though it confuses

the small me

inspire me for love though it frightens

the small me

make of my smallness a greening

a cooling peace, a patience

a resolve & a blessing

that responds in kind

to all of this.

Poem by Qayyum Johnson.

Painting by Suiko McCall. Title, 2025. Ink & reactive dye on paper, 17×14″.