Hold A Candle To This

One of my favorite books as a child was the original "Harold and the Purple Crayon". In it, baby Harold goes on a series of adventures at the behest of his own creativity. One of the things I most related to in this tale was the concept that the Moon would follow wandering infant wherever he went. Personally, I remember as much myself. My family would pile into our Mercury Comet and zoom off across Miami to visit the homes of my grandparents, and other less exotic locations. On the way home in the evenings, I would turn around, look out the rear window and watch the moon follow us home.

In many respects it's comforting to know this celestial companion has been our host in the heavens for as long as life on Earth can remember. It waxes and wanes, always watchful, but saying nothing ... even less than 'Silent Bob'. It sits in the heavens, does not judge us and doesn't not preach.

This year, on August 12 the 13th, the Perseid meteor shower will peak. This annual light show features, at times and with optimal viewing conditions, up to 60 meteors an hour. Nevertheless, our penchant for 'shedding light' on our problems, has created so much light pollution, that in many areas hopeful starry eyes sky-watchers may be denied. Moreover, on August 13th, the Moon will shine its 'Full' countenance down on us, exacerbating the attempts of many night-owls who will be craning their necks in search of opportunities to wish upon a falling star. Invariably, there will be those who will curse the Moon for doing nothing more than it naturally does on a monthly basis, and to our benefit. What a loony thing to do, and certainly something to hold a candle to.

Reference: Harold and the Purple Crayon 50th Anniversary Edition (Purple Crayon Books)