Monday, October 18, 2010

Monday Reruns: A Short Letter to the Moon

(original post date: October 11, 2009)

Dear Moon,

I heard the news last week on NPR. Curious to learn something about the existence of water within your sphere, NASA decided to hurl a rocket at you. I am so sorry. Please know that this was not my idea, and I would never, ever approve of such a thing.

I should probably tell you that science has never been a strong suit for me. I’d attribute that status to disinterest, but that’s not accurate really. Actually, what I feel for science is awe -- inexplicable, I-can’t-even-deal-with-it awe. I mean… is it just me, or isn’t it kind of amazing that we’re all living on this big round thing that’s spinning so fast we don’t fall off?

Anyway, Moon, I think it’s really wrong that NASA hurled that rocket at you. Sure, I know, meteors are slamming you a couple times a month (or so I heard on NPR), so what’s another blemish on your already cratered landscape?

For me, the problem is that it’s a man-made blemish. For me, NASA’s decision to hurl a rocket at you was tremendously disrespectful. So, if you start messing with the tides, I’ll totally get it.

Anyway, I’m sorry. (And, by the way, if you have water, hang onto it. We people on Earth are totally disrespectful of that, too.)

Your friend always,

Katie Gates

4 comments:

Sioux Roslawski said...

What a marvelous writing/learning activity...Writing a letter of apology, and embedding in the letter the facts and knowledge that you did, was wonderful.

Cheryl said...

Dear Ms Gates:

I appreciate your concern about my well-being.

Oy, my head. First with the cow jumping over me. She plotzed on me, did you know that? Then with the monkeys in those schmaltzy ships. Then came the Russians and your people.

Please tell that putz from the pod that planting a flag in me doesn't make me part of America.

As for that rocket? I've seen those NASA schmucks giving me the hairy eyeball for years. I knew they were up to no good. That rocket hurt more than a 2-hour meteor shower.

Please tell them to leave me the hell alone. I'm not a meshugeneh. I know my rights. Besides, do I look like I have water hidden up here? Tell them to go bug Jupiter.

Sincerely,
Artemis

OJ Gonzalez-Cazares said...

I truly enjoy your reruns!! it is such a great idea - and your letter to the moon? so cute, tender yet powerful - there is an Argentine cartoon character named Mafalda: a girl in the 60's and 70's with intense political and down to earth judgement - if you have the chance, google her...you'll know why this post reminded me to her.

Anonymous said...

Such a warm and delightful post. I also googled Mafalda and now I want to read more! Thanks OJ for that information :-)
Katie - I now write as a Grandma, yes, William was born on Sunday 17th. I am still basking in the joy I felt yesterday when I held him. A lovely post to read on such a day as this! Thank you.