PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook

Back before we had scientists and telescopes in space, all we knew for sure was that sometimes – and you never knew when – evening, that magical time of darkness, would come unexpectedly.

A hush falls on the land, animals become restless, crickets chirp. Is this evening or morning now? All around, the horizon turns dusky red. And then, in the midst of the eerie silence, the sun both emerges and is hidden, glittering with the stars behind it.

These days, scientists call it an eclipse and smile indulgently at those of us who keep to the old ways, those of us who know. I sit alone on the ground, having carved my sigil deep into the earth. Soon will come the night to end all nights. Soon, the earth will be ours.

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As part of my April theme, I have been choosing mythological themes, some local to a place (like Beringan or Avalon) but mostly universal, because many cultures naturally view evening (and morning) as magical times. A friend recently commented that “back when” people must have thought an eclipse was “magical” but now we “know better.” Of course, I took this as a personal challenge. Eclipse or elves would also be good titles, but the bridge in the evening (or maybe morning…) convinced me to go with evening AND eclipse, because you never know….

I believe any day can be magical. Some more so than others. Right?

In all seriousness, safe travels to anyone who is traveling here in the continental U.S. for the total eclipse next Monday. Get plenty of rest, drive safe if you’re driving, and have a great time. I hope the weather is clear enough to see something awesome and rare.