In dark winter months we longed for warm sun
For the spring days of April, May, and June
For just an hour of light when work was done
Before the long nighttime reign of the moon
***
Fast fade spring days of April, May, and June
Into days of smothering summer heat
Until the short nighttime reign of the moon
When affection for cold again turns sweet
***
In the days of smothering summer heat
Arrive celestial acquaintances
Affectionately meet when cold seems sweet
And day and night they perform their dances
***
Divine celestial acquaintances
Summer solstice and the Strawberry Moon
Both day and night they perform their dances
Just one year in twenty, they join in June
***
Summer solstice and the Strawberry Moon
Somehow content with change and constancy
Just one year in twenty, they join in June
Yearning, but never forgetting to be
***
Somehow content with change and constancy
Learn when to be still and when to move on
Yearning, but never forgetting to be
Embrace the present phase until it's gone
Author's Note: This was written in response to Mikeydred’s Moon in June challenge. It's my first attempt at a Pantoum, for which Mike has a great resource. Check out the challenge details and the Mike's helpful resource linked below.
About the Creator
D.K. Shepard
Character Crafter, Witty Banter Enthusiast, World Builder, Unpublished novelist...for now
Fantasy is where I thrive, but I like to experiment with genres for my short stories. Currently employed as a teacher in Louisville.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from D.K. Shepard and writers in Poets and other communities.
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/08/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal7 days ago in Resources
Comments (13)
This is such a delightful nature poem! I’ve never tried a Pantoum… looks tricky 😳.
I think I missed this challenge. This is a great entry. I love poems that rhyme.
This poem is beautiful. I completely missed Mike's challenge, but maybe I'll try a pantoum of my own, anyway!
Amazing!
Wow! This was beautiful! Good luck in the challenge.
Whoaaaaa DK, this was breathtakingly beautiful! You did a wonderful job here!
I love how you have interwoven the seasons and light and dark to create the rhythm and meter of this lovely, lovely poem. Really well done, DK!
Loved it!!!❤️❤️💕
Excellent piece, D.K.! I had to look up what a "pantoum" is, but I love learning about new structures and concepts. I enjoyed how this piece uses the seasons to illustrate the necessity for change while never forgetting to enjoy the present. "Yearning, but never forgetting to be" was my favorite line. Awesome work!
The subject of seasons/phases was a brilliant- it fits this pantoum structure so well! Masterfully crafted, D.K.!!
I missed the strawberry moon!
Beautiful words and I missed this challenge...so will be looking at it. Well done, DK!
This is excellent , a great pantoum and excellent take on the prompt / challenge. Thank you again