You are a poet, MD. That was beautiful.
And Does John Damascene write a hymn or WHAT?
You know, two nights ago was the eclipse (which I did not see,) And the next full moon will be the "the first full moon after the vernal equinox" on the Sunday after which .... and it just thrills me. It's still cold here, but the maple buds are beginning to swell.
The nights will be darker and darker, and then moonless. And then inexorably the moon will march towards brightness. And the catechumens and candidates, one of whom I have the privilege of sponsoring, will be admitted to the full mystery.
Pagan festival? I don't think so.