Moths, the moon, and i

 I know now what it is like to be a moth today. 

For most of the years we have lived here, the only lights i could see from our house were those of the moon and the stars. If i went out into my garden, i could identify the houses to which the few lights belonged.

But now, it has changed. All around our little house, the trees have been felled and houses have sprung up. Cheap solar LED lights mean that i am dazzled every time i look out of our windows. And today i found myself rueing that the hotel wallahs that i can see from my bedroom had installed a large new light on their terrace. It took me a while to realise that it was the moon I was looking at. 

This was an oddly grief filled moment. It felt disloyal, like not recognising a faithful friend. Like not recognising home. And then I was overcome with what it meant to be a moth.

I have always known of course that the lights confuse moths, that they cause their decline. I have lectured enough people about switching off their external lights at night. 

 

But today i got a small taste of what it feels like. And it is not a nice feeling.