Moonlit Memory

MOONLIGHT. The wandering rays of an invisible

Sun are reflected across that lifeless orb like

White light illuminating the bare surface of a

Projector screen. Flanked by innumerable stars

That observe our planet like Cyclopean voyeurs

Hidden in the impenetrable recesses of a black

Veil, the promethean thief re-directs his stolen

Solar booty through clear glass. Like a fish

Dragged from the comforting depths of the

Ocean, my addled brain is wrenched from the

Realms of the subconscious and shrugs off

Its nighttime reveries like a fellow might brush

Dandruff from his lapel. My silent room is now

Swathed in a thick lunar cloak, its pale mustard

Folds cover my face like a midnight mask and

I stare back like a startled intruder caught in

The accusatory glare of an enemy searchlight.

I am alone. Suddenly, as I lie blinking in that

Inescapable glow, a mental vision of you appears

In my mind and elicits a momentary smile that

Flutters across my lips like a visiting lepidoptera

On the welcoming branches of a butterfly tree.

I close my eyes and find you waiting in my

Dreams.

© Troy Southgate