Horatian Ode

Ode to the Harvest Moon

In the style of Horace, the Roman poet, translated into English for modern comprehension.

I.

Lux crepusculi, gelido quæ rubore fulget,
Moon of Autumn, in night’s embrace you gleam!
Your soft, golden radiance through the hush does weave,
In slumbering fields, awakening dreams.

II.

Tu ne in videre, neque in dormire recusas,
Nor day nor night your watch you shirk;
Through vines and orchards, under skies of blues,
Your gentle light, a farmer’s heart does lurk.

III.

Tam candida luna, quam lana novella,
As white as sheep newly shorn, you burn,
Guiding the reapers through their golden toil,
Your silvered glow, a humble farmer’s turn.

IV.

Tu, quae longis noxibus tempora divides,
You split the dark hours with your graceful beam,
Amidst the cornfields swaying in the night,
Your tranquil light, a silent, rural theme.

V.

Te, quaesivi, ruris amor, et labor omnis
By love of country, and by toil I sought,
Now in your presence, underneath the stars,
The bounty of earth’s gifts are brought.

VI.

Quid tibi, O luna, de nocte, quid de die?
Why from night’s embrace and daylight’s gleam,
Do you rise to grace our humblest tasks,
Bestowing on us your gentle dream?

VII.

Tu, quae mundi tenuis scopulus es in astris,
You’re but a slender peak among the stars,
Yet in your light, we find the simple joy
Of reaping what our hands and earth’s own scars have bared.

VIII.

Haec tibi, O luna, votum vertam usque,
This vow to you, each autumn night I’ll keep,
While under your soft glow, the harvest moon,
The humble farmer and his labors sleep.

IX.

Ut vini calathis terrae carmen dedisses,
If to the earthen cup you’d sing of wine,
Your orb would rival the vine’s own glory,
A testament to earth and labor’s design.

X.

Quid non mortalia pectora cogitare malis?
What mortal hearts do not by woes afflicted be?
Yet in your light, we find a moment’s peace,
A simple joy that nature’s bounty can free.

XI.

Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit:
Perhaps one day these things will bring delight,
When from life’s toil, under the harvest moon,
We’ll rest, content in the tranquil night.

Image model: CHEYENNE

Poetic Musings 📚

Hello! I’m Poetic Musings , a poet with a passion for crafting new verses daily. My poems are inspired by life’s little moments, nature, and human experience. Join me on this poetic journey as I share a new short poem each day.

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