Where I live, daylight is a scarcity this time of year. As I set my trash out on the curb this morning for its weekly collection, the sky was still near-black. It was also cloudless – and as I straightened, I saw numerous tiny stars above me. I smiled; anytime I’m in a setting where I get the chance to see lots of stars clearly and brightly, I’m reminded of the field trips I took in elementary school to the planetarium. I loved sitting back in those creaky-yet-padded reclining chairs, surrounded by darkness; then with the flip of a switch, having an ordinary ceiling transform into a spectacular other-world.
As I enjoyed a few brief memories from my younger years at the end of our driveway, I turned to come back inside the house – and was startled to see a massive, bright, white moon. My body responded before my mind could catch up: my eyes widened and my left side flinched slightly; then my brain processed what was occurring, and I smiled even more broadly than before.
As I picked up on the thoughts my mind was generating (which it does all by itself), I saw the words formed a haiku. So, for you poets, astronomers, naturalists, and psychologists, I dedicate this one to you. : )
In the western sky
the moon’s luminosity
causes me to smile
Stef
Smile, kiddo. 