On the surface of the moon, high in the sky and far out of sight.
Lives a creature, in a crater, half in shade, half in light.
The creature has a snarky grin.
And that is where this story begins.
People find it hard to describe the creature they see.
“he’s tall” some say, others “he only comes up to my knee”.
Some say he has two legs; some say he has four.
Some say he has six legs; some say he has more.
Some say he has two eyes, a nose, two ears and a mouth.
Some say he is charming; others say his charms are leaving him, heading south.
But one thing that is known for sure.
Is the creature that lives on the moon is a frightful old boor.
He has no words, no small talk, chitter chatter.
He doesn’t pass the time with a friendly natter.
He slinks and slithers.
He glides and shivers.
A snake, I hear you cry but “no!”
This creature is not a snake, he's neither fast nor slow.
He lives on his own and seeks no crowds.
He shouts at you “turn the music down”, if it gets too loud.
Some say he's a dinosaur, one hundred years old.
Some say he's a young un with a heart of gold.
The creature that lives on the moon, is happy being one of a kind.
He's happy being himself and has no desire to be refined.
The creature that lives on the moon, is happy in his own skin.
Makes no difference to the creature, if he has no known kith or kin.
The creature that lives on the moon, makes no judgement of what you wear.
Makes no judgement of how you choose to style your hair.
That is why the creature that lives on the moon is welcome to attend his neighbour’s parties.
That is why they welcome him with arms open wide,  wholeheartedly.
The creature that lives on the moon is pleasant to them all, but he has no desire to be the star of the ball.
By preference, the creature sits alone in his chair, he does not speak, he does not stare.
He just enjoys the moment, living without a care.
He has no shackles; he is not bound.
The creature is content living life in his crater, he has no wish to be found.
The view he has before him of the planet below is a glorious sight.
A sight that waxes and wanes with the season, sometimes he is in the shade, sometimes eclipsed by the light.
A sight he adores and is grateful for.
A sight he is happy to be considered a “frightful old boor”.
When you see the moon in the sky at night.
Look for the creature, who lives in a crater, sometimes in shade and sometimes in light.
Give him a wave and say a prayer thankful he continues watching over the planet below from sunset to sunrise; from the time your head hits the pillow until the time you open your eyes.

Sweet dreams.

©Jacqueline Mead 2020

I remember the day, our darling daughter gave birth.
A newborn grandson given life on this earth.

I remember feeding the ducks with grandchild number three.
Running in the park, buying ice cream, sitting on the bench, feeling happy and free.

I remember spending time with my Mum.
Shopping, walking, talking, laughing having fun.

I remember collecting Alfie from school.
Walking, talking, laughing but not holding hands, at 10 years old he is the image of Mr Cool.

I remember Sunday lunch with our son, his wife and two children.
Their son a bundle in their arms sleeping on their shoulders, the other a lovely daughter who is twelve years older.

I remember evenings spent with friends.
Food, wine, chatter and laughter, no rush for the evening to end.

I remember walks in the park.
When you didnt have to social distance from each other and children played on their boards in the skatepark.

I remember days out in the car, not worrying about travelling too far

I remember far away holidays in the sun.
Jamaica, Aruba, South of France.
Staying out late, holding hands,  moonlight walks on the sand.

I remember travelling to my work place.
Working with others, sat face to face.

I remember lunches with my girlfriend Lesley.
Sometimes walking and talking, other times sat in a cafe or in its garden on a bench, meeting others being friendly.

Each of these scenarios give such pleasure to remember.
But excuse me for saying, it's not the same as cuddling and holding your family members.

One day soon, when it is safe to do.
A big hug has its name on it especially for you.

The
ugly truth
is that our
flaws
are what truly
make us
beautiful.