Lying back on the soft grass
I gaze into the dark night sky and wait.
Cloud curtains open, footlights dot the stage.
Another night’s performance,
Theater of the Universe,
Drama directed by my imagination,
Ancient stories ever new.

A centaur charges through the woods,
Bow drawn, hunting a giant bull. 
The arrow misses; Taurus remains free,
As he does every night.

Two bears wade down a milky river where
Fish, jumping, splashing, struggle
Upstream to their ancient spawning ground,
Oblivious of predators.

A woman dressed in royal robes,
Admiring her reflected beauty on the water’s surface, pays no heed
To desperate cries of daughter, chained at river’s edge,
A sacrifice to monster Cetus, lurking in the murky waters.
Perseus emerges from nearby woods and,
Angering both monsters, queen and sea, comes to her rescue.

Two lions terrorize a town
While warrior, sword drawn, seeks the beasts
To kill them and bring townsfolk peace.
The fight is fierce, but to a draw.
Lyra strums music beautiful
But far too peaceful for the action taking place.

I marvel at this theater so huge.
Creatures lavish, legendary populate the stage:
Unicorn, Pegasus, dragon,
Wolf, swan, eagle, scorpion and snake.
I join uncounted viewers, past and present,
Engrossed in this celestial entertainment.

Returning to my small and routine life,
I ponder legends that have captivated
Minds of millions through the centuries,
Aware that from this vantage point
I still see less than half the story.

© by Don Lindman.
Used with the author’s permission.