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Moon and Starry nights

Written by

134 – BAISALI SINGH

in

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The moon looked radiant. I am not quite familiar with the concept of lunacy and how the term ‘lunatic’ is derived from the moon. The waxing and waning phases affecting a person’s sanity sounds absurd but then when we look at Van Gogh’s painting of starry night and the fact that he was in an asylum for a couple of years makes me wonder if it is a myth after all. I looked out through the window, the night was still. There was no usual hissing of crickets or the rustling of leaves. It was as if time has altogether put itself to a halt. As if time was tired of moving incessantly, period after period and ages after ages. 

I have a dangerous hobby. Moving out through the corridors at the wee hours of the night is one. Reliving people’s lives in my head over and over again is another. How sad is it that the day we are born, we get tied to our fate called Death? That we live carrying with us a ticking clock that can explode any minute. I get fascinated when I read poems of Emily Dickinson where she imagines Death to be her lover. But the question is how does one really feel while living the last minutes of their lives? Is the ‘memories of entire life flashing before your own eyes’ while your brain is shutting down, a hoax? 

I cannot stop thinking about Ruby, my roommate. Ex-roommate now. Mrs. Long says she was adopted by a well-off family living in the outskirts. It is sad that she left, without a word, without a note. It feels like an eternity since I have known her. The corridors seem to have stretched themselves at night as I walk down the hall. How long have I been strolling aimlessly? It is difficult to think straight when you are under depressants. I tried recalling what I ate for lunch or breakfast or why was there blood on my hands for that matter? 

Comments

One response to “Moon and Starry nights”

  1. Manaswini Jena Avatar
    Manaswini Jena

    The captivating tale “Moon and Starry Nights” deftly combines themes of mystery, refraction, and the ethereal opulence of the night sky. This narrative transports the reader on an engrossing trip through the inner workings of the human mind with its beautiful style and provocative subjects.

    The beginning of the story explores the impact of the moon on human behavior, questioning preconceived beliefs about madness. The author deftly raises doubts about the relationship between the moon and sanity by making references to Van Gogh’s well-known painting of the starry night and his time in an asylum. This captivating beginning paves the way for a story that explores more profound philosophical ideas.

    The protagonist’s late-night wanderings and propensity to replay other people’s lives in their head give the narrative an additional depth of intrigue and mystery. Inviting readers to reflect on the idea of time and mortality, the author skillfully creates a sense of quiet and timelessness that makes it seem as though the world has stopped. The introspective reflections on life and death, which were motivated by Emily Dickinson’s poems, provide a touching and thought-provoking dimension to the story.

    The protagonist’s memories about Ruby, their former flatmate who vanished without a trace, are among the most moving parts of the narrative. The protagonist’s introspection on their own lives is sparked by Ruby’s departure because of the palpable sense of loss and longing that permeates these passages. The protagonist’s emotional state is brilliantly portrayed by the author, who also skillfully weaves in the depressant haze to create a moving portrait of a tormented mind.

    The story echoes the cryptic character of life itself by leaving readers with a sense of discomfort and a lot of unresolved questions. It is impressive how the author can elicit intense thought and a variety of feelings. The story “Moon and Starry Nights” stays in the imagination, enticing readers to go into the depths of their own feelings and thoughts.

    Overall, “Moon and Starry Nights” is a superbly written story that mixes lovely prose, metaphysical speculations, and a dash of mystery. It is a poignant and thought-provoking piece that readers will continue to find meaningful long after they have finished reading it.

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