I Say Goodbye Again...a poem

I originally wrote this poem in May of 2009. Now in 2012, I think it is as pertinent  as it was then. In memory of all those who served.
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I wanted to write a poem especially for Memorial Day. I appreciate all of our troops around the world.  However, I also wanted to pay tribute to those who they left behind. This is something that all families can relate to no matter where they live in the world. This particular poem was inspired by my Maternal Grandfather who served in WWII (survived I might add) and left his family behind. It was also inspired by Mark's dad, Ralph R. who also served.
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I Say Goodbye Again
By: Michelle R. aka Naila Moon of the Grey WolfI said goodbye to you
And kissed you on your cheek
You were off to war
And we couldn't hardly speak.

You told me not to worry
That you would be home soon
And you hoped some great guys
Would be in your platoon.

I got all your letters
And cherished each and every one
Just hoping for the day
That you could see
Your new born son.

Then one rainy morning
On a Sunday afternoon
I received a telegram
That told the story
Of your death too soon.

The purple heart arrived
In testament to your valor
I hold it close to me
And cry at this very hour.

For now, I must kiss you
And say goodbye again,
To my husband, my love,
And my eternal friend.

Turn Around...a story

I come from the Cherokee Nation and was inspired by the words "Turn Around" to write the following story. It is based off of some truths but is mostly fictional on my part.
I should say this is also based off of the truth of the Trail of Tears or as my people say, The Trail We Cried On.
Believe me when I say, I respect my people and respect what happened to them and remember with them.

 Please note: although right now I feel finished with the story as it is, I might in the future revamp it.
Peace-Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf

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Turn Around By Michelle R. aka Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf 

I tightly hugged the blanket that Grandfather, Winks At Rabbit, made for me. It was special and meant only for me to have. No one could possibly take this from me; I needed it as I would grow up to be woman.

Why did these men, these strangers want it? What would they do with it?  I was not sure.  

Sure enough, they took my blanket, ransacked our home and pushed us out the door. My mother, in native tongue begged them not to take us but yet, they did. Where were we going? Again, I was not sure. 

 It was cold out, for winter had already set it. We were given nothing and could take only little, which were mainly the clothes on our back.  The old and the young were pushed together. Some had no shoes, some were separated from family and all were pushed forward. I did not have my blanket.  

We were told that we would be going on a long journey, a journey of almost a thousand miles. This was a journey that would take us from our beloved lands, from our rivers, from our homes and from our ancestors. We were Cherokee and we would have to leave. We would have to walk and walk and walk.  

We walked upon the trail that was supposed to lead us to a new place. A place supposedly reserved for us to live. A place that was not our own. Many of my people could not take this journey and thousands died.  Grandfather, Winks At Rabbit was one of those, for he was very old.   We could not stop to mourn him for if we did, we would also soon die. 

I could not understand why we had to walk so far, why we had to starve. I asked my mother why we did not turn around and go back home.  She could not tell me for I was young and would not understand.  

So we kept walking and we cried.

5 Little Pumpkins...a story in 100 words

Not my photo

5 Little Pumpkin
By MR aka Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf

She was new to this gig and had to get this absolutely right. She would have to fly far just to find the right one. An important mission indeed and she couldn't screw it up.

It happened that she flew past Salem and landed in a lovely pumpkin patch. There she saw five beautiful specimens sitting in a row. 

“Ah, this one will work perfectly,” she thought, “It is nicely kissed.”

With all her might she took the pumpkin back to the shabby cottage and placed it carefully in the rocky driveway. Yes, the girl will have a lovely ride.

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I wrote this story for Saturday Centus. The challenge was to write in 100 words using the photo prompt.

Smashed Brain...a poem

Smashed Brain
By: Michelle R .......aka Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf

My mind is clouded
With the things I have
Forgotten.
Memories smashed
In the recesses of my brain.

They peek out on occasion
To tell a story
Of time,
Of place,
Of happiness,
Or sadness.

I never know
When they will appear.
And sometimes,
I am scared to think
They never will again.

Silent Cries...a poem

photo source

Silent CriesBy: Michelle R. aka Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf

I awaken
At 3 AM
To the silent cries
That are within.

They are grounded,
Firmly in my heart
And cause deep pain.
That in turn,
Causes water to flow
To the surface.

I am caught
Within this,
And cannot sleep.

My pain
Is too great
As the moonlight
Wears on.

Ode to the Mercury Cafe...a poem

The Mercury Cafe-my photo

Ode to the Mercury Cafe
By Michelle R aka Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf

I have come to this
the Mercury Cafe,
to hear the likes
of John, Mary and Sue
or maybe Shakespear too.

I strain to listen
to those
on this stage
we could call
life.

The prose pours forth
ticking away
at time.
The words
of hapiness
heartbreak
confusion
and wonder.

These words
empower,
shape us
and have meaning.

In the listening
we become better people
and possibly
a hope
for another.

Moon Magic & Satisfaction...two short poems

This was a challenge by a group I formerly belonged to called Poetry Posse. The type of poetry is called Alliteration.
Alliteration is the repeated consonant sound at the beginning of each word used. No vowels.  This was/is very different poetic writing for me but I took the challenge and ended up writing two as you will see below.
~Michelle



Moon Magic
By:Michelle R aka Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf

Moon Magic
Magestically Manifested
Mindlessly
Make me
Mellow.
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Satisfaction
By:Michelle R aka Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf

Soulful songs
She sang
Silently sewing silk
Seeing stiches
Sewn straight
Sought satisfication.