Back of the pack

When I was a little child, I used to dream of running wild
Like a wolf or fox or cat; like an eagle, hawk or bat
But one evening, more like a little mouse, I softly slipped my parent’s house.

Into evening October chill, down the path and up the hill
Seeking ghosts and shooting stars; upon the earth, but wanting Mars
I crept at first, but then I ran, a wayward pup, a little man.

In blood and honey in the West, the sun retired to its rest
Leaving just a pumpkin glow, an orange burn, ebbing slow
And I waited on the hill, for I knew not what, and I was still.

I sensed a vast thing coming near, and felt a little thrill of fear
Of a werewolf perhaps, or UFO, and in the East I saw the glow
Of something arising behind the rise; I was too scared to even close my eyes.

Then in silver wine and silent thunder, huge and bright with dread and
Wonder
With eyes aglare and jutting nose and frowning mouth, the Moon arose!
And looked around for what he could see, and on the hill, spotted me!

A little boy, a tiny tot, a small male speck rooted to the spot
“What do you want?” his Moon voice boomed, and I knew right then
That I was doomed
I was too scared to make the least reply to the giant face that filled the sky.

“Have you naught to say, Oh little pup? Then perhaps I should just eat you up!
Oh cease your shaking little fish, for I know you’ve come — to make a
Wish!
So make it fast, and say it right, or I will give you such a fright
That I doubt you’ll ever sleep at night!”

So! A magic wish was mine to make! And did I wish for toys and cake?
Did I desire the Golden Fleece? Or with big heart ask for world peace?
No! For with all the Moon-fright that filled my head, I simply wished I was
Safe in bed!

Then in a twinkling, I was back, tucked safe and warm up in the sack!
Through open door into the room, peered two friendlier faces than the
Moon’s
Mom and Pop, come to say “Goodnight,” see I was OK, and turn out the light

But I’m not sure that this is all, for sometimes I truly do recall
A last smile on the Moonly face, suddenly kind and beaming grace
He said, “Many wishes float my way, but this the best I’ve heard today.
Henceforth all who beg this boon can be sure I will grant it soon!”

Sometimes when my life is sour, I wish I’d asked for wealth and power
But whether riches or poverty are your life, whether you live in harmony
or in strife
When everything is done and said, it’s hard to beat going safe to bed!