Eklipsis

a ritual for the twenty-third Total Lunar Eclipse of this century

© Vincent Hostak, November 7, 2022

Sit by a retaining pond
which held back the flood
Or, if your hand is steady
raise a spoon of clear water
one which carried food 
to your family's lips.
Sit quietly, as you would
to honor one confessing their grief
or declaring their joy.
Stay mute as you consider 
this moon's twin in the pool, 
its study in the spoon.
You do not influence its orbit,
its temporary coral hue,
nor its inclination to hide 
for an hour or two 
in your shadow.
But, you may think 
of everyone you wish
to carry to safety.

Before you begin:
vote.

Photo attribution, Creative Commons 0, Public Domain Dedication by Giuseppe Donatiello from Oria (Brindisi), Italy