We sail the night sea in our silvered ark. We’re refugees with lives programmed by machines that tell us when it’s day or night. On the observation deck, I can see the distant light of faraway stars, beckoning but elusive, like dream fragments remembered as you wake. Somewhere out there is our destiny–yet I’m haunted by the memory of sunshine streaming through the trees and the sound of birdsong on a summer day. Sometimes I hear the crash of waves in the constant humming of machinery, and I can almost taste the salt of ocean breezes.
Last night I dreamt I was the moon. I looked down and cried for Earth, gone forever.
At dVerse, we’re trying something new: a flash fiction piece of 144 words or less based on a line taken from a poem. We’re calling it prosery. Sarah has offered us this wonderful line, “Last night I dreamt I was the moon” from Alice Oswald’s “Full Moon.”
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
In the current context of climate change and political insanity, this has added poignancy. You convey the yearning for home, and the beauty of the stars, so well.
Thanks so much, Sarah. I just had to take a break to get this one out. I’ll be back later to read. 🙂
This is beautiful! I wonder if the moon will be sad to see us go? More likely she’ll call us back to pick up our litter before we leave.
Thank you so much!
She probably would. 🙂
Litter everywhere…
Yes.
Lovely, Merril.
Thank you, Jill.
This has a beautiful melancholy. Already so much is gone that only exists in memory. (K)
Thank you. Yes, that is so true, Kerfe–or even only in accounts of prior generations, like passenger pigeons.
I think of that lost woodpecker too. So many birds. But we may be the last generation to know elephants. That is frightening.
Yes, it is.
I get an aching feeling mixed with dread from your dream-like story. May it never come to pass…
I agree, Jade! Thank you.
You are welcome, Merril.
You even make this reminiscent of the refugees sailing across to Europe from Africa
Thank you, Derrick. I’m glad you picked up on that. 🙂
Frightening to think of finding nature in machinery!!!
Yes, that would be.
For me, a sense of mystery and sci fi … well, until the powerful closing line.
Thanks so much, Frank!
It sure seems we’re headed this way, doesn’t it?
Yes, unfortunately.
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Lovely…yes to cry for what was…
Yes, exactly. Thank you very much.