October Moon
©October 30, 2025 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com
Evening before Halloween,
I prepare a ½ Chai Tea ½ Cocoa brew,
reminded of my sweet mamas—
the ones who raised me the second half of my life,
and the many conversations and prayers over warm drinks.
I dial up the FaceTime and ask,
“Did you take a look at that moon tonight?!”
The biggest smile I’ve seen in weeks pours across her face,
suffuses her crippled body,
as the other mama drops head to the side,
resting on her beloved’s crown.
Mutual smiles, mutual appreciation.
I know why I almost didn’t call—
it’s hard to be separated
in this waning time.
I want to hang up and drive the 3 hour round trip.
After all…did you see the moon tonight?
Moon gets it—the beauty of connection
across all space, all time.
“Look up,” she coaxes. Just look up. Be present
to the constant: waxing, waning, dark.
Connection is everything.
Instead, I play Pickleball, on a perfect Fall day,
no wind, all sun,
disregarded by a partner
who doesn’t tolerate
any form of loss.
Sometimes distance is good,
like stepping onto a different court,
and embracing the freedom
of letting go of unfulfilled expectations.
And sometimes distance is not good,
like from mamas
who look up,
are present and glowing:
waxing, waning, dark.
Life is precious—I don’t want to live a distraction.
Directly out the window,
Moon hangs overhead,
shining as I write.
In such an Illumined One,
there is no distance, no separation:
half-moon,
partial light
and growing.
