The land looks different lit in silver. That’s most-of-all what I remember, the night of almost being stranded on a mountainside. True story: I was a romantic-minded, foolish teenager, determined to see the sunset from the summit of the mountain. Absolutely crazy. My dad couldn’t persuade me to go back. Textbook idiocy. Of course, the path was clear enough in daytime. After sundown, not so much.
It might have been a blue moon, I’m not sure. It sure was cold up there. Cold enough to die of exposure? Definitely. Thankfully, my dad had the sense to call for help. I, embarrassed, told him to be quiet, which is how the mountain rescuer recognised that we were human, not stray sheep. He guided us with his torch over a dim precipice: on one side a footpath, on the other, an abyss.
Why had I wanted to stay up there, risking both our lives? What ghostly voices did I hear – what call, and who had hoped to keep me there? Once safely walking in the valley floor, I returned to my senses, bathed in moonlight; like an engraving of the world I recognised, but reminiscent of that spirit-night:
Once in a blue moon
revelations come shining
embrace silvered light.
Written for dVerse Haibun and also Earthweal’s weekly challenge: A Hallowed Moondance.
That sense of tranquillity is difficult to find.
I can feel the sigh of relief after such an adventurous way down. Finding the path in darkness cannot be easy, and the cold of night can be a dangerous companion. Good your father had the sense to call.
Thank you, Bjorn. Certainly a good job one of us was sensible!
I imagine this as the sense of adventure made sober by the face of reality. Sometimes, we have to learn the hard way.
Indeed we do!
I can feel the edge of darkness on this journey you shared with us. How terrifying in the moment, but is it not our curiosity and wonder that finds us at the precipice of risk? I could also feel the relief and tranquility once having left that area. That must have been quite the experience and I’m glad it ended well.
Thanks Lucy. For sure our curiosity leads us to that precipice but I still feel bad for taking my dad along with me!
WOW! Lesson learned, and a blue moon to remember! Well penned.
Thanks, it certainly was!
A very wonderful telling, Ingrid. I’m glad the angel with the torch guided you home.
Thank you Lisa, so am I: I never tried that one again!
You are very welcome and understand why! Thank goodness you and your dad were there for each other.
kaykuala
An adventure will always be treasured despite all the risks!
Hank
True!
I have hiked at night under the light of a full moon, but the areas in shadow were dangerous; that’s when we’d use the 3-cell flashlights.
Yes – if you’re going for a moonlight hike, it’s a good idea to go prepared!
I love the adventure from darkness to support and talked off the ledge. lovely journey taken here Ingrid! ❤️ Cindy
Thank you Cindy – at least it ended well!
You’re welcome Inrid! That’s for sure!!!! ❤️
Nice. I can appreciate the adolescent adventure seeker. Glad you made it safely and that it created a memory as inspiration for this lovely poem.
Thank you. I think I did some growing up that night.
Thank you 😊
I tried to leave a comment on your poem but I’m not sure it posted. Very powerful evocation of our times.
This was so very well written and Ingrid. I really enjoyed it. Fits the season perfectly. Well written and well written. Happy Halloween!
Thank you Rob. Happy Halloween to you too!
I love your story. I bet you did not try that ever again! A very interesting story.
dwight
Thank you, Dwight. No, that was the first and last time!
Quite the adventurous moon memory! Your dad is patient and adventurous. 🌝
Yes, I was lucky to have him there with me!
I love all the ‘l’ sounds in ‘The land looks different lit in silver’, a forewarning of something to come. I cannot imagine being stranded on a mountainside, Ingrid, so I’m glad it was an ‘almost’. Teenagers don’t see danger until it’s staring them in the face. Thank goodness your dad called for help.
Thank you, Kim! I was an idiot, but I learned a lot from my mistake.
Glad you had a rescuer and you and your dad returned safely
Stay safe
Much💛love
certainly channeled the paranormal here Ingrid!
It sounds like a beautiful adventure. Danger is often something we only realise after the event. I hope the rescuer was understanding 🙂
Yes, thankfully. We made a donation to the Mountain Rescue team 😅
🙂
Touched with a little bit of moon-magic, methinks. Scary, the path skirting the abyss. Yay for rescuers.
I’m glad it all worked out. I like how it sounds like you were called by the moon–the story of ancient legends. 😀
So mysterious.
Thanks 🌙!
The silver world is so entrancing, but it doesn’t really care if that drives us off our edges. Kudos to the vision and antacid pills for your father.
Who can explain that magnetic pull? I’m glad it had a happy end! (K)
Lovely haliban, Ingrid! This escapade sounds like something I would have done in my youth! Somehow, we survived these adventures. 🙂
At least it wasn’t just me, then 😅 ‘All’s well that ends well’ I suppose!
Moonlight can be enchanting. Your haibun captures that feeling well.
I am glad you found your way out, sometimes the darkness takes us deeper into places unknown.