Moon Watching

Moon watching

is so peaceful—

in all its forms,

waning or waxing,

sparkling in the dark sky,

or floating among the clouds.

I see it now,

growing and glowing—

the April gibbous moon,

surrounded by stars

and I feel a

gentle nostalgia.

Decades back,

In my native place,

as I took a stroll

in parent's backyard

perfumed by blossoms

of mango and citrus,

night jasmine too—

I saw the moon.

It felt like paradise,

with the serene ambiance.

Being a selenophile

is a lovely hobby—

honoring a celestial entity

that bridges

my past and present.

Meanwhile, in Japan,

they celebrate Tsukimi

the autumn festival

for the harvest moon.

I believe in this—

light-polluted sky

and hectic world,

pausing and mindful

moon watching

can bring stress relief.