The Eclipse April 2024 As Viewed In Ohio's 100% Totality and In Beacon, Plus A Poem From Inside The Totality

The eclipse in 100% Totality in Ohio, during the 3 minutes of total coverage, when all went dark, except for the red glow down below. We could look up at the moon covering the sun 100% at this point.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

The eclipse of April 2024 as seen from Mount Beacon.
Photo Credit: Meghan Spiro

Drove away to Ohio to experience the eclipse in 100% totality there from a farm. Which turned out to be ideal, as the wide open space allowed for us to see the red glow happening down low above the ground. View that in the video below, which was taken inside of the 3 minutes of total moon coverage, where we could safely look up without eclipse glasses on to stare directly at the moon with the sun glowing around it. We could see one sun flare in the bottom left corner, peeking out from the moon.

Was able to capture the color in an iPhone video, and tried to translate into a poem below (it’s still rough…but for timing…has been published).

The Beacon-based photographer Meghan Spiro captured the eclipse color in Beacon from a side of Mount Beacon. Her spit-screen photo is shown here.

Eclipse Poem

Total Totality

From inside the eclipse
In Total Totality
The 3 minutes of total moon coverage began.
The dome came over us.
A silver dome of protection
Shooting out of the dark light.
Touching the grass
The weightless silver holding.
Shadows gone.
Like we were all dead,
Our lives held in dark white light,
Our passions pouring into the dark depth above us.
Where are we?

“Mommy! Take a picture of the sunset! Take a picture of the sunset and send it to me!”

Sunset?
But the sun is above us.
But the sun is black.
But the set is aligned with us.
We are surrounded by a lasso of red glow.
The sun has stretched around us.
The moon has spilled over us.
Pouring out the silver light,
The dark air curling around our bones
Clutching our skin.

The crows climb the wind.
Is there wind?
All is still.

The light slipped into gray.
The ground turned silver, a mirror of the sky
The shadows inking black.
Silver all around us.

“Look up!! You can look up!!!”

White light
Shooting out of the smooth circle of the black depth.
Sends the weightless dome of protection.
Protection from what?
Protection inside.

The Howland Public Library Presents: In Eclipse - Opening April 13, 2024

Art and astronomy come together in the upcoming exhibit, In Eclipse,  at the Howland Public Library, opening on April 13th. The group show features the works of over 20 local artists inspired by the April total solar eclipse. This eclectic showcase offers a glimpse into different interpretations through drawings, paintings, and photography. From illustrations of the celestial event to metaphorical interpretations, each piece reflects the multifaceted meanings of the word eclipse.

Join the library for the opening reception on Saturday, April 13th from 5-7 PM,  featuring a special reading by writer Donna Minkowitz, as we celebrate the artistry of the eclipse in all its forms. In Eclipse will be on view until May 4th.