Physics of the Abstract

On Monday, August 21st ,2017, much of the United States looked at the sky. We gazed high above us at the wonder we call the sun. It shined down on us kissing us with a celestial rarity…an eclipse. Many planned excursions, parties, ,and some even mapped out their doomsday. I stood outside with colleagues. I also gazed up, holding my breath as the clouds rolled over the orange beguiling orb. I shaded my brow and looked away to only see spots. In an instant my mind wandered to you.My mind tried to piece together your day. My mind tried to meld with yours as the hour drew closer to the lunar and solar overlap. My heart valves opened and closed like many times before, but now the rhythm was in triple time. My mind cast an image of us looking at the Heavens clasping hands. My hand ghosted the air close by. I am wake. I am alone. The moon now imperfectly lays itself across the sun. Clouds enveloped it like a shroud. My eyes squint. I pull out my phone and rattle off a few notes to your dedicated number. The moment has passed. Society lets out a collective sigh. We all pile back into buildings and back into cars.For moments we were all together and in unison. I looked down at my phone, “Miss you.” That message usurps a thousand eclipses.xoxo