the great eclipse of 1831

Everyone knew it was coming.
On the day of the eclipse
Business was suspended
For every man, woman and child was stargazing.
Peering through panes of smoked glass,
Necks outstretched, pupils dilated,
America anxiously watched—
Some choking on their Adam’s apples,
Others gripping their quivering hearts.
Most praying, a few drinking—
As daylight waned
And the inky moon,
As though dipped in oil,
Snuffed out the sun.

“Keep your gaze turned up towards the heavens”
My graying aunt tells me.
“They’re coming for us, I promise”

I believe the tales my aunt spins,
Because she believes in my own lunacy,
And I happily swallow her advice.
Each night, I watch the empty sky, waiting,
Hoping to catch a glimpse
Of an alien lightshow,
Ready to mow crop circles
In my front yard
Asking them kindly
To beam me up off of this planet.

And I’d never look back.