by Barbara Griffin

Created on: January 17, 2009

I am a romantic of nature's night in shining armour. I can watch it a million times over and never get tired of it's allure. Each awe inspiring dramatics of a setting sun, preludes the beginning of my entrigue. Every descent of luminous rays transform an endless canvass from day to night in accordance with the climate, which effects manipulates the draping veil upon bright skies. I realize the earth's delicate spin is the catalyst that fuses light, and darkness together as they entwine before departing.

My eyes wonder across a vast weightless plain of blue mingled with an assortment of colors that appear like a spectrum. Shades of tinted darkness slowly press forward to smother the final glimpse of a cooling flare, as it fades ever so lovely toward a bow into the abyss. Spellbound by this spectacular display, I feel my heart merge with nature's amazing joy. A gentle exhale streams from the temporary holding place of my captive breath. The flow brings forth a soothing warmth that releases overwhelmed emotions, as I stand enchanted.

Gradually, a silent grace glides complete, and utter darkness. A dense curtain looms over empty spaces. No longer is the outer world transparent, and obvious, but shrouded. I stare deep into concealed darkness, curiously, hoping for discovery of anything. I want to know what lies in the secret places of pitch black sky. I contemplate about hidden mysteries. I can get lost looking for answers. Darkness has a mystical beauty, as well as, an unnoticed function. Without it, brightness wouldn't have a showcase in which to shine.

The luminous moon appears, exhibiting a beautiful glow as it cascades upon the earth. I marvel at the fullness of radiance that illuminates rings around it's surface. Beams crest the tips of leafs, and blades of grass, then flows over streets and buildings. A ceremony of shadows come to dance, swivel and play in it's light. I'm mesmerized by he moon's reflection when it silhouettes in oceans, streams, and rivers with ghostly appeal. The mere presence of the moon evokes loving thoughts, and calm minds. When I look at the moon, my heart is smitten...it's a magnificent masterpiece.

I love the stars sparkling bright, twinkling, blinking and winking. When I was very young, the stars seem to cover the entire span of heaven. I don't know if it was ever like that where I live, or simply the imagination of excited eyes. I've witnessed the sky filled extravaganza while traveling, it's more beautiful than I can say. The constellations make star gazing interesting, I try to find all them, but I get no further than the big and little dipper, still it's fun. Stars whether in great abundance or just a few are wonderful to adore, especially when they hug the moon.

The night casts a shield over all the usual sites, thereby, transforming what's familiar during the day, into a strange enviroment. It's gripping to say the least, a cloak that dims the light, brings the world to another dimension. Fear sets in if you're scared of the dark. Unncertainty plagues your mind when thinking about venturing far away. People become suspects, your house turns into scaryville. I use to have these problems, but somewhere along by life I got over it.

I listen to the night, creatures living in nature's crevices, make eerie sounds, dogs bark in the distance, voices are heard floating through the air, occasionally cars honks, or engines rumble to loud. As the night progresses silence embraces unbroken moments, trees brushed by wind let out a chime of rustling leaves. Sometimes I think I hear the earth humming a lullaby.

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