Esther Barnes
English Theme
Description
April 18, 1933
It was one of those balmy nights in early April. Full moon, calm and peaceful. The kind of a night when all things seem to be endowed with new life. All living things, plant and animal, seem to be recreated. Tiny, delicate, green buds on the trees. The smell of fresh, plowed earth. The extreme quietness and sereness of the familiar surroundings only accentuated the grandeur of the evening.
Far off in the south I could hear the lazy croak of the frogs in the distant pond. The monotone was torturing at times, soothing at others, but always peaceful. Their croaking was music to my ears. It is a sure sign of spring.
What is that? Only the faint echo of a lonely dog’s bark. Barking at the moon, or his shadow, perhaps. Never before has the moon shone so brightly. In all its white, silvery splendor, it bathed me in its light, speaking to me, caressing me, and suffusing me with its virgin purity. It brought back heart-breaking memories of other evenings.
The unwelcome sound of an automobile horn aroused me from my reverie, and brought me back to the reality of the city. Only a honk demanding service from the Pig Stand.
From the home next door floated the sweet strains of “My Wild Irish Rose”. Through the open door came the sound of low voices and the shuffling sound of dancing feet. Happiness and gaiety reigned for the time being.
Unconsciously I think of the moon, you, last night, tomorrow, the spring, and countless other things.
The breeze swept across the porch where I was standing and brought me back again from far away places. It whispered that tomorrow is a school day and there is studying yet to be done. Reluctantly I gaze at the moon once more, bow my head in reverence and whisper good-night to the man in the moon.
This, the result of my thoughts, I have interpreted as a description of a gloriously beautiful evening—the night of the ninth of April.
Teacher’s comments: M+
The unfinished sentence may be used by mature writers, but it will make you trouble in college. Better not use it.