What kind of event is it when a solar eclipse is, itself, eclipsed by cloud and rain? That is our situation here today. Elsewhere in the world, people are gathered for the rare show of the Moon passing in front of the Sun, a stately and celestial pas-de-deux.

To mark the occasion, I am publishing a poem that has not yet, I think, seen the light of day, but it was inspired by the solar eclipses in 2013, and by the Northfield Sidewalk Poetry competition held that year.

Is the Moon afraid
of its dark side?
Is the Sun proud 
of its flare?
Can I accept
my whole, wild heart
when it holds 
too much to bear?

Leslie Schultz

(I submitted three poems that year, including this one, and a different one–a celebration of pollination–was chosen, which can be seen below.)

Last week, I spotted this (below) posted in the Northfield Public Library–always a place for community and timely programming! Of course, wherever you are, when you look up into the sky, do protect your eyes from direct views into the sun.

May you see something rare today!

LESLIE