From My Window
a moon
and a tree
and a night
Written on May 1st, 2024. Visualized by DALL-E and Microsoft Designer. It is an extremely simple poem, which, strangely enough, I am particularly fond of precisely because of its simplicity.
The trick of the poem is to make great things seem small—in this case, the night, which is only briefly mentioned at the very end as something incidental. Yet, in reality, it is fundamental. You have to see it yourself, ideally from your own window, on a special night. That’s the magic.
Adjectives That Best Fit the Poem
serene, quiet, still, calm, peaceful, tranquil, silent, ethereal, mysterious, dark, cool, distant, vast, endless, solitary, timeless, shadowy, soft, pale, delicate, reflective, dreamy, haunting, meditative.
Silent Observers: What Gazing Out the Window Teaches Us
When you gaze out of a window into the world, especially into nature and darkness, it changes your perspective compared to being outside yourself. This view from within creates a unique frame, a boundary between your inner sanctum and the vast expanse beyond.
Through the glass, you become both observer and part of the observed. The window pane acts as a lens, focusing your attention and sharpening your senses. It's as if you're peeking into a secret garden, witnessing a world that exists parallel to your own, yet separate.
In the darkness, this effect is amplified. The night transforms the outside into a canvas of shadows and silhouettes. Your reflection might mingle with the view, creating a dreamlike overlay of interior and exterior. It's in these moments that your imagination can run wild, painting stories in the obscured landscape.
When you're outside, you're immersed in the environment. You feel the breeze, smell the earth, hear the rustling leaves. But from behind the window, these sensations are muted, replaced by a heightened visual awareness. You might notice details you'd overlook if you were surrounded by the fullness of nature - the way moonlight catches on a leaf, or how a distant streetlamp creates a halo in the mist.
This framed view can be deeply contemplative. It invites you to pause, to really look, to ponder. It's a reminder of the shelter you have, contrasted with the wild unknown beyond. There's a certain coziness in observing from this safe vantage point, a feeling that can spark both comfort and longing.
So, next time you find yourself gazing out a window into the dark embrace of nature, take a moment. Let your eyes adjust, let your mind wander. You might just discover a whole new world, right there on the other side of the glass.