The Moon and The Mikado

Watercolor by Catherine Altman Morgan

Have you ever seen a moonrise? Up until August 30 of this year, I had not – and I didn’t realize it was something that I should have had on my bucket list. 

A photographer friend reached out and said we should go watch the full moon supermoon. I immediately came up with the idea to go to the Waterfront Cafe, which is right on Lake Michigan, and would give us an unobstructed view. 

A delightful bonus was the fact that my friend, Brazilian jazz guitarist and singer Luciano Antonio, was playing that night. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had read that the moon was going to appear much bigger and brighter than usual. 

What I got was an experience I won’t soon forget. 

The lake had huge waves that night and the sound of them crashing on the shoreline was loud and hypnotic. 

Some guy was actually out surfing. Here’s the video in case you don’t believe me. 

At first, there was a glimmer of bright pink, and then a giant pink and orange orb started rising above the horizon. It was breathtaking. I couldn’t get a picture that came close to capturing the size and the impact.

And the soundtrack of Luciano’s gorgeous Brazilian jazz made the experience even more extraordinary. 

The only way I could explain it to someone was to paint it. I will likely have to do more paintings to really capture how spectacular it was. 

The experience was so deeply personal and profoundly intimate. I will never think of the moon quite the same way. The “face” kept shifting and looked exactly like the animations you have seen. 

As the moon rose up into the sky in her full glory, I kept thinking about a phrase from a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. When I got home, I found that it was from The Mikado, “Ah pray make no mistake, we are not shy. We’re very wide awake, the Moon and I.”

The song’s full lyrics are below. 

The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze (The Moon and I)

The Sun whose rays are all ablaze with ever living glory
Does not deny his majesty, he scorns to tell a story
He don’t exclaim “I blush for shame” so kindly be indulgent
But fierce and bold in fiery gold, he glories all effulgent

I mean to rule the earth as he the sky
We really know our worth, the Sun and I
I mean to rule the earth as he the sky
We really know our worth, the Sun and I

Observe her flame that placid dame the Moon’s Celestial Highness
There’s not a trace upon her face of diffidence or shyness
She borrows light that through the night, mankind may all acclaim her
And truth to tell, she lights up well so I for one don’t blame her

Ah pray make no mistake, we are not shy
We’re very wide awake, the Moon and I
Ah pray make no mistake, we are not shy
We’re very wide awake, the Moon and I

(source)