Blame it on the Desert Moon

There it was in the western sky staring at me from over the San Jacinto Mountains, shining brightly into my bedroom through the sliding doors casting its brilliant glow.

     I’m awake watching the shadows bounce off my bedroom walls.

     The clock said 3:00 am.

     In a week, I would return to my home in Seattle leaving the desert moon behind.

     I would be a ship without a rudder, no moon keeping me grounded helping me make it through the night, letting me know that all was well, letting me know that I wasn’t alone. 

     Look at me, it beckoned.

     And I did.

     I’ll miss you I muttered, tears rolling from my eyes, clouding my view, my heart breaking.

     Godspeed my friend, fear not.

     I’ll be here when you return lighting the way in the middle of the night once again.

     Dry your tears.

     I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

     Blame it on the desert moon, my friend, my rock.

     I was at peace.

—Heidi Eagleton