there are few things that i harbor more affection for than the moon. it is one of those things that has always inspired a certain awe and fixation in me. it's so pretty. silver in brilliant contrast against deep dark blue. one of the most humbling and amazing things in the world is laying on the ground just staring up at the moon and the stars and the nothing, and thinking about how infinite the universe is, how far away those teeming balls of fire are, and how old the light that falls in your eyes is, and how teeny-tiny and insignificant you are in comparison. it's quite a mindful. sometimes, when i'm feeling troubled, just going outside and looking up at that cyclical face and feeling the tranquility of night and the comfort of a breeze is more than enough to calm the demons. i used to think the moon was wasted on the night, but the more i think about it, the more i'm glad it reigns over the unconscious hours. that makes night-gazing more of a solitary excercise. i'd feel funny if i knew the neighbors were watching. moonlight is brighter than you'd think. the night is dark, yes, but on a clear night, under a nicely proportioned moon, the obscurity of night is illuminated with the moon's airy rays. you know, i've forgotten where i was going with this, but let's just say that i'm really quite fond of the night and its cast of characters, and i'd recommend you check them out the next time they begin their performance.