Large Fierce Mammal

“… let not us that are squires of the night’s body be called thieves of the day’s beauty. Let us be Diana’s foresters, gentlemen of the shade, minions of the moon, and let men say we be men of good government, being governed, as the sea is, by our noble and chaste mistress the moon, under whose countenance we steal.” ~ W. Shakespeare, Henry IV, Act 1 Scene 2

The Moon in all her phases, o’erlooking deeds fair and foul, has been a recurring fixture in these pages.

Hunter’s Moon, Silent Moon, the lantern lighting the way of Hunters and Travellers,

Tonight’s moon, what there is of her, looks down unseen from above the clouds enshrouding this time of harvest called Canadian Thanksgiving, in a manner not unlike the moon that refused to shine in tonight’s song, performed by Leon Redbone with Scott Black on cornet. While I share nothing in common with the twitterpated lad who ain’t had no lovin’ over such a long dry spell, and Mrs LFM and I are inclined to spoon in all seasons and weathers, this song is still a favourite. Here’s Shine On, Harvest Moon, commencing with lyrics for those who like to sing along.

The night was mighty dark so you could hardly see,
‘Cause the moon refused to shine.
There’s a couple sittin’ ‘neath the willow tree,
For love they pined.
Little mare was kind of  afraid of darkness
So she said, “I think I’ll go.”
Boy began to sigh, looked up at the sky,
And told the moon his little tale of woe

Chorus

Shine on, shine on, harvest moon
Up in the sky;
I ain’t had no lovin’
Since January, February, June or July.
Snow time ain’t no time to stay
Outdoors and spoon;
Shine on, shine on, harvest moon,
For me and my gal.