Dawn Hopkins

What the Moon Asks of Us Dawn Hopkins

This poetry collection explores the concepts of absence, longing, loss, and ultimately, reunion. Many of the poems found in "What The Moon Asks Of Us" are lamentations on the missing of or longing for someone, something, or others and presents the idea of otherworldliness as a possible mechanism for reunion.

The poem, "New Normal," is included in this collection as it echoes separation and the longing for absent loved ones amidst a global pandemic. This response poem was written during an online collaborative initiative based in the UK. The "Isolate/Create/Collaborate" project was designed to connect global artists during 2020's COVID-19 early social distancing measures.

Also included in "What The Moon Asks of Us" is "Elemental" - a quartet, inspired by T. S. Eliot's, "Little Gidding", which began as a trilogy. However, a fourth poem, "The Death of Earth," was written expressly to address current issues of climate change. The quartet is scheduled to be featured in an upcoming art series and subsequent exhibition focused on global warming.

Readers who admire the work of T. S. Eliot, Amy Lowell, Marianne Moore, Catherine Pozzi, Billy Collins, Mary Karr, Mary Oliver, Carl Sagan, and Joseph Campbell will likely find this new collection a refreshing addition to their poetry library.

Poetry communicates and conveys collective thoughts. It has the ability to elevate and preserve our minds and language, especially in times of crisis. It often provides sustenance to help us carry on in times when we may feel helpless, hopeless, curious, or confused. The imaginative language of poetry is ultimately yours. You are encouraged to read it, write it, embrace it, and ultimately, to share it with others.