Walking Companion (from Brainstorms) She surprised me on my walk tonight for she did not show her face until I was heading home. I had resigned myself to gazing at the stars. What was it that compelled me to cross the street at precisely the moment, so that when I turned to look over my left shoulder, I saw her? Having just risen over the treetops she traced the outline of branches barely adorned by blossoms and young leaves. I caught my breath and watched her amber glow rising in a nearly perfect orb, overwhelmed with awe that I was blessed to witness this moment. I stood anchored to the earth, even as my soul seemed to drift slightly out of my body. Heavy and light at the same time. She followed me home, sometimes hiding behind the houses and trees that lined the side of the road. But I took comfort knowing that she was beside me, a faithful companion in the darkness.
Listen to me read "Walking Companion" in this video with photos taken by my friend, Kristen Skoglund, during a lunar eclipse a few years ago.
I had a different poem in mind to share this week, but then my daughter and I went out to pick up dinner a couple nights ago and I caught a glimpse of the moon rising neon-orange over the highway. I was so awestruck that I felt compelled to pull off the road and circle around to a parking lot to take in the view. "Wait, that's the moon?" my daughter inquired. "It's huge!" I remembered this poem that I wrote almost ten years ago and the timeless feeling of being in perfect synchronicity with all that is, was, and will be.
My daughter nudged me out of my reverie, reminding me that we still needed to go get our food. I took a photo for the road. At first, I was annoyed that we were in a strip-mall parking lot rather than some idyllic natural setting. And then I thought, how wonderful that moments of beauty and awe are available anywhere when I am willing to slow down and appreciate them.
Whatever you are in the midst of this week, I wish you moments to appreciate.
With love,
Jennifer