The velvety blackness enveloped me the second I left the overly bright lights of the house. The loud noises from inside faded away as I stealthily closed the door. My flashlight clicked on and I began walking toward the forest behind my house. My flashlight beam swung back and forth, to and fro, my only source of light as I entered the forbidding forest. An owl’s screech and the stifled cry of its ill-fated prey broke the utter stillness of the night forest. Leaves crunched under my booted feet and a swift receding rustle told me of some small animal terrified by my light and footfalls. I walked more quickly, tense and eager to escape the oppressive of the forest at night. A thin pine branch stroked my mouth, leaving the sweet taste and smell of pine behind. I slowed slightly. The slight whisper of wind seemed to warn me of approaching clouds that might foil me once again as it had the last two nights. I abruptly turned and left the trees, and after a half-dozen steps the welcome openness of my favorite stargazing meadow surrounded me. I clicked off my flashlight, now unneeded in the starlight streaming from above. I crossed the meadow slowly, drinking in the peace and serenity I couldn’t get elsewhere. I stopped at the glacial rock near the center of the clearing and took off my light jacket. I lay down, using my jacket to cushion my head. The rock was still slightly warm after a day of absorbing the sun’s rays. I looked straight up into a glorious display. Countless stars winked in the infinite blackness above me. They shone clear and brightly through the crisp fall air. My eyes quickly picked out familiar constellations: the Big Dipper, Orion’s belt, and other. The distant stars looked like pearls on a black satin lining. I watched as the moon slowly rose and bathed me in its silver light.

Sometime later, I unwillingly looked at my watch. I had been here for nearly two hours and it was getting very late. I knew I needed to get some sleep tonight and yet I hated to leave this place. The peace and calm I felt here was so hard to find. With great reluctance, I stiffly rose, put my jacket back on, gave one last lingering look at the stars, and turned to leave. With heavyhearted step I left my preferred world of serene darkness and quiet repose and headed back to the chaotic world of bright light and loud noise.