If Only You Were Real

From the days long before

when man first took in your contours,

white face pocked and gnarled

unlike your blinding, homogenous counterpart,

and for the first time

grasped that there could be lands

that feet alone could never reach,

you have served as inspiration.

.

If only you were real.

.

Kubrick

and main actor Armstrong

with supporting actor Aldrin

(and Collins as extra)

were robbed of an Emmy

for the television performance of a lifetime.

You would have been flattered at your portrayal.

.

If only you were real.

.

A round of applause

for the projectionists

providing the ultimate muse

since prehistoric man first learned

to draw on cave walls.

Perhaps that is why they claim

you are growing distant

at the pace of 3.8 centimeters a year,

so someday the animators can pack it in

and see their families again.

I’d say we’ll miss you, dear friend.

.

If only you were real.

***

Author's Note: If I go missing, we'll all know why now.