To the Stars, and to the Moon.
The stars danced along a black canvas, as the cool night’s light breeze blew past. It rustled the long blades of the new spring grass. I laid down in the thick of it so as to not put a kink in my neck while gazing upward. You joined me there. The smell of the fresh grass, mixed with what sent you were wearing. It was nice like fresh air with subtle hints of sweet. I propped my head up, with my right arm behind it. The same knee bent to point skyward. You rested your head on my stomach and got comfortable. The bright full moon’s beams shone down on us, casting shadows long your delicate face. It defined high cheekbones, a perfect nose, and the curve of your lips. Hypnotized I starred as the light shifted with passing cloud cover. The clouds passed and again I was blessed with the highlighted and shadowed sight. It was silent. I could hear the wind caress the tips of thick grass. I closed my eyes to take in everything with my other senses.
In this state I felt how cool the grass truly was. Goosebumps formed on the surface. The sound of the wind like a faraway flute sang to me. Your deep breaths were calming in a way due to the regularity of inhale and exhale. I could feel your head heavy on my stomach. The physical contact to you was soothing. I reveled in the moment.
You turned your head from the night sky and looked at me. I had my eyes shut still, however I felt your eyes on me. I opened one eye slightly to see you were looking at the shadows that were cast along structure of my face. You blinked deeply as if in satisfaction and as you opened your eyse to look at me again you smiled. A cute smile, one that would charm most people almost crooked but softened with delight from the feeling of contentment. Your dark eyes caught the light of the moon and twinkled like the stars above.
As you turned your head back to the night overhead, I saw your mouth open in awe. I looked up to see as well and caught the tail end of a shooting star.
“Did you make a wish?” I asked
“No, how can anyone come up with a wish that quick? They take time you know.” you retorted.
I laughed at your quick wit and kept a smile plastered on my face. I moved as to get up. You rose up off of me and pulled your knees in close to your body. I rose to a standing position, and came to stand in front of you. I held my hand out to you. You looked up and took it into your own, gentle and soft hand. I steadied and supported you, as you straightened the rest of the way.
“Where are we going?” you questioned.
“You will have to wait and see. I want to see what you think of this place.” I explained.
A little reluctant to leave to soft place we made in the grass you took the steps forward. Hands still clasped, loosely but the contact is all we needed. Continuing through the grass, I pulled to a stop on the crest of a hill which was a ways off from where we were. I pulled off my shoes and socks, and placed my bare feet in the cold now damp grass. I curled my toes and dug them in deep, then stretched them out straight between the thicker parts of the stems. It was utterly refreshing. You pulled your shoes and socks off also and I held out my hand again hoping you would take it in yours again. To my delight warm finger tips touched my palms and slid into place. Over the hilltop rested a small pond. Like a small oasis hidden from eyes unwilling to seek adventure. The moonlight lit the whole valley. As we approached the pond the sounds of splashing erupted. We snuck closer to the water’s edge. The reflection off the water was intriguing and as ripples slowly crossed the whole surface. It was as if a portal to somewhere different had opened up. I lead you to a rock shelf which reached over the water. It was low and flat against the water and a large willow tree covered it from the brightest light of the moon. Shadows danced as we parted branches to lay on the dry rock. We left wet foot prints on it as we walked to the point over the water. Under the canopy we sat. I plunked my feet into the cool spring water and leaned back. My head rested backward on my shoulder and my eyes closed. You sat beside me and leaned towards me. I could feel you close. Again a smile appeared and all I could think was back to that shooting star, and how I wished for you to lean in and enjoy this place of beauty with me. I never expected more just the right amount. You surprised me as your breath came close to mine. Lips soft I lost myself in tranquillity as the water lapped over my feet and the moon shone on through the night.