Imani’s Moon

As the sky grew darker, Bundi the owl flew by. “What are you-hoo doing?” he asked.
“I am going to touch the moon,” Imani answered
“Don’t fool yourself. You-hoo won’t make it!” hooted Bundi.
But Imani jumped on.
Her body grew tired. Her legs ached, her feet throbbed, and the children continued to taunt.

But like a warrior she jumped higher than each jump before. In her mind she could hear only the cheers and chants of her proud village. She could see only herself as one of the warriors, rising from the earth. She kept her eyes on the moon above and felt herself getting closer. With a final push of her legs, Imani jumped once more…

… and soared through the night sky.
She landed on the face of the moon.
“Olapa!” Imani called. “I am here! I am Imani, and I have made it to the moon!”
“So you have,” said a voice in the wind. “Welcome.”
Imani clapped. She laughed. She sang. She rolled in the moon dust and danced with excitement. As she celebrated she noticed something shiny.

She picked up the thing that dazzled her eye and turned it over in her hands. It was a small, round moon rock. Her own tiny moon.

“A gift for you, Imani the Great,” said the voice. “Thank you, Goddess of the Moon.” Imani smiled.

Feeling lighter than ever before, Imani jumped one last time and floated from the moon toward the waiting earth.
Down from the sky came Imani, the small girl with the small moon in her hand. All was quiet. No one taunted or hissed or mocked or hooted.

That night Imani called to her mama. “Can I tell you a story tonight?” she asked.
“Which one?” asked Mama.
“It is The Tale of the Girl Who Touched the Moon.”
Mama listened as Imani told her story.
“Where did you hear such a tale?” asked Mama.
Imani opened her hands and revealed the glowing moon rock, so small and beautiful.
“It is my story, Mama,” said Imani. “I am the girl who touched the moon and was welcomed by Olapa. I am the one who believed.”