Monarch of Night

The moon, full, high,
Shining brightly in the black night sky -
It is the monarch of night,
The stars and planets its courtiers.

It beams on farmers' fields;
Train tracks streaking the countryside
Gleam in reflection.

It shines down upon the sleeping villages
And the great never-sleeping cities.

It mirrors in the calm waveless ponds
And the deep mysterious lakes.

It showers light upon rich and poor equally,
Showing no favor -
An egalitarian monarch.

Here and there stands a sky-gazer, staring in awe.

How can one bow to this monarch of night?
I can only stand marveling, head uplifted
As the courtiers beam and twinkle in good cheer.