The Moon

Have you ever seen the moon rise over the sea? To begin with there is only starlight and no horizon. You are adrift in the middle of darkness: stars overhead and their reflection on the sea below. The only sound is the gentle his of the bow-wave and maybe the slap of a wave against the windward side. Behind, if you sneak a glance, the expanding wake of the boat trails luminous behind.

Then quite suddenly there is a bright light ahead. It may take you by surprise. The moon itself seems to create the horizon, to separate the sea from the sky. As it grows the effect increases and as the moon rises it casts its reflection towards you, always directly towards you, forming a straight, bright track over the waves.

The light of the moon is different to sunlight. It has a different quality. Colours are bleached and shadows are darker. The artist paints with a palette of blues and greys. The billowing sails rustle as the wind changes and everything seems unreal.

 (12th December 2016 – 177 words)

10 minute writing exercise without preparation.