Summary
The author reflects on the experience of being awake at night, contemplating life's challenges and the beauty of the natural world, as exemplified by the May tree outside their window.
Abstract
The author is intimately familiar with the solitude of 3am, a time when the world is quiet and the mind often wanders. They describe the ethereal sight of the May tree in their yard, illuminated by the moon, and how this scene contrasts with the weight of life's burdens such as grief, heartache, and existential worries. Despite these concerns, the author finds moments of joy and gratitude in the safety and comfort of their home, and in the simple act of noticing the world around them. The experience is captured in photographs taken during these nocturnal wanderings, highlighting the enchanting beauty of the tree under the moonlight. The author also touches on the broader concept of online writing as a form of poetry and the importance of being present and engaged in the world.
Opinions
- The author believes that our capacity for joy can be obscured by various life stressors, including financial worries and the existential dread of mortality.
- There is a sense of gratitude for the basic comforts of life, such as having a safe place to sleep.
- The author expresses concern about the state of the world but finds solace in the shared human experiences of nature, such as the cold air and the night sky.
- The act of paying attention to one's surroundings is presented as a valuable practice, a way of bearing witness to the world.
- The author suggests that online writing, much like poetry, has its own beauty and freedom, implying that digital platforms can be a canvas for creative expression.
- The concept of 'how we show up in the world' is presented as both a beauty and a form of work, suggesting that active participation and presence in life is crucial.
