It is our family's pagan tradition to head to ancient sites left open courtesy of the Greek Cultural Ministry each August full moon night. As the moon makes its journey across the night sky - garbed in the bleeding beauty of its own lunacy - we will pay our respects to it.
This time, we will observe it from the seaside Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio, 65 km west of Athens. So, as we gaze at its steady portrait overhead, we will also catch a glimpse of its shimmering twin sister skinny-dipping in the tide beneath, naked and radiant.
We'll bring cheese, wine and hotdogs to nibble as we make peace with our own thinly-veiled insanity (for just one night, at least). Perhaps, if we are really lucky, we may capture moonbeans in our paper cups and drink from the potion of its intoxicating reflection.
And when I gaze into my husband's eyes, I may see the image of the moon and fall in love again with the moon of other days. Well, stranger things have happened you know...
THE MOON OF OTHER DAYS
By Rudyard Kipling
Beneath the deep veranda's shade,
When bats begin to fly,
I sit me down and watch -- alas! --
Another evening die.
Blood-red behind the sere ferash
She rises through the haze.
Sainted Diana! can that be
The Moon of Other Days?
Oh, and if tonight you should happen to gaze out your window to seek the full moon, perhaps we may for a while be together in essence although we are apart...
CLICK HERE FOR A SONG I DEDICATE TO YOU...
15 comments:
Oh, and if you're wondering about the title of this post and want to know exactly who it was that stabbed the moon, read this -
EARTH-MOON by Ted Hughes
Once upon a time there was a person
He was walking along
He met the full burning moon
Rolling slowly towards him
Crushing the stones and houses by the wayside
She shut his eyes from the glare
He drew his dagger
And stabbed and stabbed and stabbed.
The cry that quit the moon's wounds
Circled the earth.
The moon shrank, like a punctured airship.
Shrank, shrank, smaller, smaller,
Till it was nothing
But a silk handkerchief, torn,
And wet as tears.
The person picked it up. He walked on
Into moonless night
Carrying his strange trophy.
What a strange poem but I liked it. Will be moon watching tonight if the skies allow :-)
You should go listen to this song by Loreena McKennitt called Mystic's Dream. Fit's perfectly with your post :-)
http://www.quinlanroad.com/explorethemusic/maskandmirror.asp?id=89&fragment=0&SearchType=AND&terms=full moon
I love Loreena McKennitt! I attended her outdoor concert in Greece! But my audio isn't working...(imagine that I couldn't even listen to the song I dedicated to you guys...but its playing in my mind).
Your post today made me weepy. Weird, I know but it did. I will be outside enjoying the full moon. Hopefully with both Jim and Mike. We will thank God for such a wonderful life and for all that he has given us.
I'm not a poetry reader or much for understand them either, they are a bit weird at times but thanks for sharing what makes you happy. The Song too, it was pretty.
Take care and thank you so much for stopping by both my blogs and leaving me comments. I oh so love them.
Have a blessed day today.
Lovely post!
I have most of Loreena McKennitt's CD's. I need to rip them for my iPod. One of my favorite of her songs is The Highwayman.
In the city we tend to miss the moon and that's a shame.
Beautiful. Breathtaking. Amazing.
xoxo,t
Who else is going to write a post about the moon if you leave? Just sayin'.
Had to pop over to your blog and give you a high five for your post on Chris's blog...funny stuff, Purple Cow.
(been a while, I know) but--
I love the poems and loved the song...I've watched the KB movies, but never got the soundtracks. Thanks for that dedication- might just have to add that song to my next MP3 purchase...I will look for the moon tonight here in Kentucky and think of you!
Feeling weepy, Julie? Blame the full moon!
Charlene, I hope you saw it tonight!
Tracy - it was! And magical!
Come on Robin, just cause THIS blog will end on 11.1.11 doesn't mean I can't start another!
Just You - Love your blog design too...and you're layout...makes me wanna lose weight. And that's saying something, cause I sure love my tucker!
Taryn Raye - I think full moons would be right up your alley with all the romance fiction. No wonder this post caught your attention!
Planning to watch the moon tonight myself ... although I suppose with the time difference, we won't be actually watching at the same moment, I'll still thinking of you and hope you get to catch a moonbeam. :)
P.S. I chuckled at the combination of wine, cheese and hot dogs. :D
P.S.S. I think perhaps that Loreena Mckennitt has already captured the moonbeams in her voice. Love her music!
Beautiful! Every visit to your blog is a treat. There's so much to learn from you and I heart all things Greek.
Interestingly, we Chinese will be celebrating the Moon Cake Festival which is just around the corner. Here's the post to share - http://ofmiceandramen.blogspot.com/2009/08/moon-cake-festival.html#comments
Ro Magnolia - and I said nothing about the spinache pie and grapes. looks like our family foursome has such versatile tastes.
Veronica Lee - I loved the mooncake festival. I heart Chinese.
Guys check out Veronica Lee's mooncake festival. SO COOL!
Glad you liked the post. Have you heard of our Hungry Ghosts Festival? The festival ended 2 days ago. Here's the link - http://ofmiceandramen.blogspot.com/2009/08/hungry-ghost-festival.html
and our Rice Dumpling Festival - http://ofmiceandramen.blogspot.com/2010/05/rice-dumpling-festival.html
Post a Comment