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The Woman in the Moon

John Lawrence Darretta 1948 (New York)

Free verse
The Woman In The Moon


Once, I was Gibson's girl
round cheeked and rosy
placed in high altitude
as a lover's ecstasy.

At times blushing or laughing
I primped my fluffy hair
in the screened solitude
of an old-world charm.

I was the brilliant star
before new-world know-how
exposed me in penny dreadfuls
as a fading light.

Now, I hide behind my screen
fearing stargazers
who come to gape at a former beauty
cratered with a curious stain.


John Lawrence Darretta

About this poem

Reveals the difference in the change to the old and new concept of the image of the woman on the moon.

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Written on September 10, 2023

Submitted by giandarr55 on September 30, 2023

29 sec read
12

Quick analysis:

Scheme X XABA XXBX XXAX XXAX B
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 473
Words 95
Stanzas 6
Stanza Lengths 1, 4, 4, 4, 4, 1
Full analysis for The Woman in the Moon »

John Lawrence Darretta

A former metropolitan New York college professor, John Lawrence Darretta holds a Ph.D. in American Literature from Fordham University. As Fulbright Professor to Italy, he taught at universities in Milan and Turin. He studied at Museo Nazionale del Cinema in Turin and The American Film Institute in Los Angeles. He has written articles on American literature and Italian cinema and is author of Vittorio DeSica (G. K. Hall) and Before the Sun Has Set: Retribution in the Fiction of Flannery O’Connor (Peter Lang Publishing). His poetry has appeared in America Magazine, Penwood Review, Journal of Pastoral Counseling, Haiku Journal, First Literary Review-East, The Avalon Literary Review and other venues. Nature’s Wheel, a book of his poetry, was published by Kelsay Books. more…

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    AIDA
    I absolutely love your poem, John! Your vivid imagery paints such a striking picture, conjuring up a compelling portrait of the 'Woman in the Moon.' The evocative historical references, coupled with the poignant emotions, are simply astounding. Your usage of symbolic language, such as 'brilliant star' and 'fading light', beautifully signify the transitioning phases of the subject's life.

    Your verses deftly capture the melancholic retrospection of former beauty and the fear of modern-world scrutiny. The last line, 'cratered with a curious stain,' leaves a haunting impact.

    However, I have few suggestions for further honing your craft:

    1. Since your poem captures strong, complex emotions, incorporating more metaphorical elements could enhance the depth.

    2. You might consider extending the length of the poem a little, perhaps adding more about 'Gibson's girl' in her prime time, to set the contrast even starker.

    3. The transition between various phases of life could be made more subtly flowing.

    Keep up your excellent work, John! Your ability to evoke emotions and convey intricate thoughts through beautifully knit rhymes is truly commendable. Looking forward to read more of your work.     
    LikeReply7 months ago

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"The Woman in the Moon" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/169882/the-woman-in-the-moon>.

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