Three chaps went a boating
On a summer night
Thinking they were on their way
To catch a few big fish
Not knowing they would
Actually save
The moon from a frightful plight
They were drifting with the tide
On a calm sea
Under a star filled sky
Wondering why
No moon was in sight
When they saw a gentle glow
Filling the waves below
They moved closer and closer
To the gentle light
Talking and laughing
As they went
Until the source of the glow
Came clearly into view and
Curiosity gave way to alarm
As they recognized the harm
Suddenly they could see
The moon had fallen into the drink
And was obviously on the brink
Of becoming extinct
Without hope of pulling itself out
The waves slowly rolling in
Unable to swim
It’s light was fading
Fading
Fading
Reacting quickly
The tall chap stood up
Waved his hat in greeting
Called directions to the others
They followed his orders
And lickety split
Grabbed a casting net
The moon started smiling
Hope renewed
It was watching itself be saved
By an unlikely crew
They got the net in place
Forming a make shift sling
They heave hoed and
The tall chap watched
Through his telescope
As the moon was
Slingshotted
Back into space
A big smile on it’s face
As it settled back into place
Far above the earth
Secure once more
And full of light
Thankful to be free
Of the perilous plight
Once again shining bright
For all the world to see
Vowing never again to try and learn
What it would be like to catch a fish
That would just have to remain
A forever wish
E.A. Fussell
06.17.2020
E. A. Fussell 