I woke up in the middle of the night

no recollection of a bad dream 

no restless thoughts filled my head

not woken by a storm or a strange noise

I was simply wide awake and at peace with all

soft moonlight spilled through a crack in the curtains

something urged me to step outside and explore the night

the back door creaked like the reluctant bones of an old man

cool intoxicating night air filled my lungs

I held my breath for an eternity

fearing that I might wake up sleepwalking

I pinched myself to verify I was truly awake

the golden moon was low on the horizon

silently conducting his nocturnal orchestra

a light breeze propelled invisible dancers across the sky 

rustling leaves provided a choral backdrop

a flute soloist floated aimlessly down the the creek

twinkling stars plucked the harpsichord strings

wispy clouds played violins as they drifted across the moon  

a solitary owl performed a horn solo

the flock of geese joined in with their clarinets

bass drums from a startled deer crashing through the forest

playful mice pianists tickled the ivories 

beautiful calming sounds filled my ears

the entire orchestra fixed their gaze upon the conducting moon

waiting for his signal to play their piece

adjusting the tempo at his command

throughout the performance the moon remained silent

no need to express his thoughts 

his orchestra said it all