the moon looks like a toenail

"I watched the sunset like a movie tonight. 

Just me, on the beach, on a log, the ocean to my back because the real show was opposite her. 

The moon looks like a toenail. 

I think that might be my favourite kind of moon phase. 

I watched the red and orange and dark grey clouds merge and meld into something so beautiful. 

I watched people from all walks of life stroll by. 

A sweet family, baby asleep in the carrier on her mama’s back, a little boy, who I can only presume is big brother, trailing behind and trying to climb down the rocks to the beach. 

A young couple, holding hands as one of their dogs, a golden retriever jaunts ahead of them and the other, an old mutt, happily lags behind. 

Folks greeting, “hello” with each person they pass, a quick connection between two strangers. 

Happy dogs, their warm breath visible in the air, running, playing, sniffing each other’s behinds. 

I keep forgetting that we’re nearing winter now, keep forgetting that the seasons are changing and temperatures are dropping. 

The cold seemed to have creeped in so suddenly. 

There’s a bite in the air now. 

Tonight I set out in only a sweater, nothing but a thin pair of leggings between me and the frozen log on which I sat.

Ears burning in the cold breeze, I made a mental note to pack gloves and a toque in my bag for next time. 

I stayed long past freezing because I just couldn’t peel myself away from the beautiful show happening before me."