Summer Moon Waning

[rejectomorph]

As the gibbous moon was nearing meridian tonight, a jet passed overhead and left a vapor trail which glowed in the moonlight like the shimmering track of a giant snail. The wind must have been blowing eastward at that altitude, as it seemed to me that the moon crossed the trail too quickly. For a moment, I felt a sense of vertigo, watching the scene. I sensed the earth turning beneath my feet, and imagined the weight of the seemingly weightless moon swinging about the mass of the planet. Watching the vapor trail dissipate, I thought how splendid it would be if the earth had rings such as Saturn's. Of course, the moon would soon swallow them up, most likely, so it is a vain fantasy. But imagine how they might look, great arcs across the night sky, like a giant white rainbow.

I am enjoying the warm nights, and they compensate somewhat for the hot days. It is pleasant to spend time outdoors at night without shivering. It won't be long before the nights are cold once again, and I must bundle up to watch the sky, and still my ears will grow numb and then tingle when I return into the house. For now, the summer persists. Each day, I check the apples in the orchard, to see if they have begun to show red. I expect it any day now. For me, that is the real beginning of autumn. The apple and autumn are alike; crisp and brightly colored and sweet, yet with a tang all their own. Although the days are shortened, they are filled with delights. I look forward to the ripe apple days of fall.

Comments

[weetanya.livejournal.com]

This morning is a moment's relief from yesterday's heat. I feel more alert than I have in the past 24 hours -- I'm watching the sky turn amber and pink over Tacoma Street.