Captivating

She arrived early; just after dinner.
Larger than life.
All aglow; magnificence in a shade of gold.
Her face was soft and full.
Her beauty captivating.
She seemed to cast warmth over everyone in her circle.
It was impossible not to stare admiringly.

But as the evening wore on she appeared to withdraw.
She seemed smaller.
Distant.
Her face pale and the light colder; harder.
Lined with shadowy features.
And as she retreated, was barely noticed.
Until she was gone by dawn.

Once a month, I sit crouched outside in the evening shadows. Camera poised. Hoping to capture the full moon, as she rises in all her glory about the horizon.

The moon, however, is my photographic nemesis. Trembling hands and a lack of tripod, guarantee that the moon remains just a wavy blur in print. Always a doomed venture.

As they say, lunacy is the act of doing the same thing over and over, hoping for a different outcome.