by Sarah Studholm-Kleese
Author’s Note: Approaching the hunger moon was written based on native American names for seasonal moons. The hunger moon typically occurred in January or February with the harshest, leanest time of winter.
Upon a frigid winter morning
Standing alone, gazing skyward
Well before the sun arises
The world set still, all is frozen
Satin ranks of clouds marching
Silently across the star strewn heavens
Through wispy veil a softened sheen
Of moonlight shines upon the snow
Peering through the tufted pines
The ice lays thick on beaver’s pond
Gentle northern breezes blow
The trees responding with creeks and moans
Declaring that times are lean
Larders once full now drawn down
Deer and grouse in search of buds to nibble
Owl and mouse caught in a duel
While times of plenty will return again
Now is not the time to daydream
As winter’s frigid grasp tightens
Like a noose around the flame of life
Stomachs pang for something to fill them
Starvation looms, heavy on the mind
Those not asleep beneath the snow
Struggle to keep the fires burning
Upon a frigid winter morning
Well before the sun arises
I ponder how they must feel
Approaching the hunger moon
Editor’s Note: Sarah Studholm – Kleese is the pen name of a DCNR Bureau of Forestry staff writer.
