I was in my pajamas, innocently walking through the house, when a glimpse of light caught my eye. I was sure it was a reflection of something caught in the glass of the front door, but I backtracked to see the unmistakable glow through it. The huge full moon was bright in the distance, carved up by the dark branches of trees across the street. I said something aloud, I can’t remember now, and without a thought, made my way to the tall boots by the other front door (the house has three).
I pulled on my sister’s boots because they were the tallest, and tucked my pajamas into them, knowing the snow would be deep. I donned my long puffy coat and pink fluffy hat, but there was no time for mittens, and I wouldn’t need them. When the moon is low and bright and huge, it moves quickly and shrinks away to normalcy with intimidating speed.
I stepped outside, an eye to the sky, seeking the best point of view, but I knew already I had to cross the street and run up the hill in the graveyard to see it best. I admit to waiting for exactly one car to pass before leaping into action, as to not appear suspicious running into a dark cemetary on an ordinary Wednesday night.
In my excitement I misjudged the depth of the snow and the incline of the slope down the lawn before the hill rises up. I began with verve and had to keep speed unexpectedly. It was fun. I decided I didn’t have it in me to make it all the way up the hill and by then I’d gotten close enough to have a mostly clear view. The moon was magnificent rising from the horizon, still prickled with the branhces of dark trees. I lowered my head so much for the best view that I decided to sit down.
Careful to keep my pajama’s dry by folding my long coat under me, I took a pleasant in the snow, so deep and sturdy it held me up nicely. It was quiet. The draw of the moon kept my attention. Then I laid all the way back flat and was met with the stars and the airplanes.
I had been called to the moon once before like this, and I think all my life I will always choose to answer the call.