Moonstruck

The moonlight often came across my pillow in my house when the head of my bed was under the south window. I moved the bed along the north wall – the bathroom side mostly because I plan on a new mattress and made certain the movers (which might be me) would have easier access for removal of old and placing the new. The arrangement is better for other reasons – except when the moon is too high to shine in. For one thing making the bed, arranging the sheets and blankets each morning is easier because I have access to the foot of the bed. But that’s not the point. I was quite pleased upon getting into a different bed when visiting relatives, to have the moon shining in my eyes - through the roof no less – through a skylight, a feature of architecture used to bring light into darkened corners of modern homes. At first I frowned to think some lopsided street light managed to glare at me. Upon closer examination I realized the light was the moon and I was pleased to have the companionship, not really expecting to be followed across the miles from my home. Why should I be amazed? I’ve viewed the moon from many countries in my travels and from different directions. In Costa Rica the moon appeared in the northern part of the sky. In Culebra it seemed to be in the east. No matter. It was always a pleasant source of comfort, and still is. I don’t remember even paying attention to the moon in Australia, or Africa, or Korea, or Hungary, or England and I can’t imagine why. There must have been more important things that kept me occupied then or the moon was not visible in the part of the sky open to me. Moonlight is not as dangerous to eyes as sunlight, therefore the moon can be viewed directly and I find the craters and mountains a source of wonder and amazement. Am I in love with the man in the moon? Or simply moonstruck?
Naomi Sherer