The Moon's for Sale

by Daniel Arenson

This poem was first published in the Harrow in 2007.




You know I heard them say

they’re selling pieces of the moon

and I thought

“Ownership”

now where was that found



You know the other day

I heard a boy attacked outside

and this town, you know

hives like windows

and I thought

“We each have our own little place”

but we change from square to square



So I walked up to you

I thought maybe, if I looked just right

if I talked just right

now how would anyone know

of these things I knew

You know how I tried to tell you



Please understand

I knew her once

I heard her whisper before these headlines

before these billboards and petitions

You see these ears

heard her pleas and you know

you felt

how that can change a man



So open you eyes

Please come outside

It is over now

What's happened is behind us and I swear

we'll forget

so look at me

talk to me

here it is



Up there, above those wires and buildings

a place we haven't touched

You know they're selling

pieces of the moon now

but for me it’s enough to own this square

and maybe leave everything behind

outside

and stay here with you




Copyright ©  Daniel Arenson