I touched the surface
of the moon
millions of miles reduced
to a single panel
so my small fingers could
dip into each crevice
feel each crater, each mare

I felt like a god for a
single second
closed my eyes
as I explored a fraction
of her lunar face
before I moved on

I left the panel behind
became small again
single atoms
staring at the painting
of an astronaut catching
a bus to the moon

I knew right then
in my short lifetime
I will never have
the chance to
touch the moon again

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I was inspired by the Lunar Attraction at the Peabody Essex Museum. Check it out if you’re in the area!

This poem was also featured on the PEM’s blog.