Stanzas: Monthly Chapbooks October 2014: Halloween | Page 2

The Lunatics
Anna Victoria Lynch//Áine-Buaidheach Ní Loinsigh

T

hey say “Beware the Full Moon!” for the full moon makes
deranged sociopaths out of reasonable men, and hysterical
harpies out of respectable women.
Indeed, the word lunatic is derived from the Latin word for
‘moon’. Today we associate it not with any kind of astrological
impact on behaviour, but instead with those who suffer from
great unsoundness of mind, regardless of what moon phase is
on the calendar.
I understand that this little mantra of warning is informed by
superstition and concern, but on hearing it I wonder: if man can
conceive such evil, harbouring thoughts of war, deceit and unkindness at any given moment, surely the full moon must always
be out, and I must be blind.
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