OCTOBER

April 06, 2025

OCTOBER

"I have been younger in October than in all the months of spring." — W.S. Merwin

Hello everyone,

FULL MOON
I was out for a walk last night, it was only 7 pm and the temperature was dropping fast, there were some clouds in the sky, and as I walk down the street, I could see the mountains in front of me, and from behind these mountains there was a bright light coming out, as I continued walking, the light was getting gradually brighter; and suddenly there it was; the most beautiful full moon I’ve seen in a while.

I stopped on my tracks and I admired the satellite for a few minutes before returning my attention to the road ahead, I finished my walk but I could not stop thinking about the celestial body after I got back home.

FASCINATING OBJECT
I went online _ as anybody would do these days _ and did some research on the luminous figure. _ Funny that I called it “luminous”, because it lacks the ability to emanate light_ The first thing I notice is how much information there is on the moon, I was also mesmerized by the details, for example: a lot of scientific measurements, orbital attributes, gravity force, an extensive explanation as to why we only see one side of the moon, the influence the satelite exercise on the ocean tides, etc.

I also read some of the experiences of the twelve astronauts that had walked on the surface of the moon. One of these men mentioned a total desolation, contradicting, in a way, the romanticized ideas I perceive when I read poems, or when I listen to songs about the moon. My own thoughts _ when I see the moon up in the sky_ are not of total desolation, but rather of some fascinating object that I can easily reach by stretching my arm and touch it with my fingertips; perhaps, even inspiring and romantic.

UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOR
There is a common denominator among astronomers, song writers, poets, astronauts, teachers and just about anyone admiring the satellite: The well strategic position the moon occupies in the sky, that is, between the sun and the earth. It orchestrates what is seems, an unpredictable behavior, not easy to understand to the untrained eye.

For obvious reasons, "The Harvest Moon" was consider perhaps, the most important full moon that happened in the year, because it was a traditional aide to farmers and crew workers harvesting their summer-grown crops between the months of September and October.

There is a song called: Hijo de la Luna, (The son of the moon) by Mecano, a Spanish band. In the song, Mecano describes the moon's selfish behavior in such soothing way, that the listener is inclined to forgive the desperate plea of the Gypsy, and forget the reckless contract she makes with the uncunny moon, resulting in the most disastrous ending.

The story is a reflection of love and sacrifice, and the consequences of our wrong doings. It is a tragic tale of such proportions, that it will stay with you for a long time.

The lyrics:

Tonto el que no entienda
Cuenta una leyenda
Que una hembra gitana
Conjuró a la Luna hasta el amanecer
Llorando pedía al llegar el día
Desposar un calé

Tendrás a tu hombre, piel morena
Desde el cielo, habló la Luna llena
Pero a cambio quiero
El hijo primero que le engendres a él
Que quien su hijo inmola, para no estar sola
Poco le iba a querer

Luna, quieres ser madre
Y no encuentras querer que te haga mujer
Dime, Luna de plata
¿Qué pretendes hacer con un niño de piel?

Hijo de la Luna

De padre canela, nació un niño
Blanco como el lomo de un armiño
Con los ojos grises, en vez de aceituna
Niño albino de Luna
¡Maldita su estampa!
Este hijo es de un payo y yo no me lo callo

Luna, quieres ser madre
Y no encuentras querer que te haga mujer
Dime, Luna de plata
¿Qué pretendes hacer con un niño de piel?

Hijo de la Luna

Gitano, al creerse deshonrado
Se fue a su mujer, cuchillo en mano
¡De quién es el hijo! Me has engaña'o fijo
Y de muerte la hirió
Luego, se hizo al monte con el niño en brazos
Y allí le abandonó

Luna, quieres ser madre
Y no encuentras querer que te haga mujer
Dime, Luna de plata
¿Qué pretendes hacer con un niño de piel?

Hijo de la Luna

Y las noches que haya Luna llena
Será porque el niño esté de buenas
Y si el niño llora, menguará la Luna
Para hacerle una cuna
Y si el niño llora, menguará la Luna
Para hacerle una cuna

IT WILL CONTINUE
The music I am presenting with this letter, I wrote it for my beloved K Street Orchestra in Sacramento, it was performed in the year 2019 for the annual concert. I have made an arrangement for piano/cello, with a few changes to match the intimacy of the two instruments.

But today, within each measure, phrase and musical note in the piece, I am addressing the value of the moon in our lives, and wether we care or not, the moon will ignite in some people, great inspiration. The moon with all the mystery that has been involved for centuries, will continue, borrowing light, somehow, from the closest star to illuminate our paths at night.

Thanks for reading.

MUSIC Information: