I composed this, my first poem, twenty seven years ago, when living in a Benedictine monastery. The imagined novice was set in an earlier age, but it also reflected my own situation - happily resolved by my meeting the love of my life.


The Novice

Awakening Sunday morning
to the soul’s quiet decorum;
slips from the night’s ease,
into my body a gentle peace;
lying drowsily in bed -
recalling poetry, I’ve never read.

Suddenly, the inadvertent rooster’s crow,
vain foolish bird named Romeo,
yet we have something in common,
our shared concern is woman.
Queen of forgetful night
release this poet’s blind sight.

Sleep dispels to the dawn birds singing,
followed by the Lauds bell ringing;
calling to chapel, to prayer and fasting,
to praising God, for life everlasting;
but my heart’s real wish?
Ah, ’tis a woman’s gentle kiss.

Dear God allow me once again
to feel and accept the necessary pain,
of holding the living being in trust
and not despising a natural lust,
for what it means to be in love:
that sad sweet mystery from above.


D G Moody 2023




Poetry by D G Moody The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 187 times
Written on 2023-11-26 at 16:14

Tags Love  Nostalgia  Religion 

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Sona The PoetBay support member heart!
Brilliant! and so sweet and fine for a first one. Such refined quality to it that it still resonates in you. Beautiful.
2023-11-28


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
This poem is at the top of my 'top of the pops' list. I think you know that, Dougie. Brilliant work.
Blessings and love, Allen
2023-11-27


Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
A very Spenserian poem! I love it.
2023-11-27


Uncle Meridian The PoetBay support member heart!
The situation (or should it be called a predicament?) is one in which we gladly proffer our sympathies to the speaker of the poem. The poem is ably executed, especially when one considers that it was the poet's first!
2023-11-27