Common Version of Rhyme
I see the moon, / And the moon sees me. / God bless the moon, / And God bless me.
Catholic Alternate
I see the moon, / And the moon sees me. / God bless the priest, / Who christened me.
A Fisherman’s Alternate
I see the moon, / And the moon sees me. / God bless sailors, / On the sea.
An Extended Alternate
I see the moon / And the moon sees me / The moon sees the somebody I'd like to see. / God bless the moon / and God bless me / God bless the somebody I'd like to see!
I See the Moon is a popular nursery rhyme that is often found as the last rhyme in books of nursery rhymes for children. Its position at the end of books of nursery rhymes make it seem like a goodnight prayer for the end of the day. In fact, the many variations of the rhyme increase the sense that the verse is that of blessing. Of course, the illustrations of cherubic children gazing wistfully out the window at a benevolent moon also enhance the peaceful concept that people have of the verse.
Sinister Intent in the Nursery Rhyme
However, the authors of The Annotated Mother Goose suggest that while the rhyme is charming the original reasons for reciting the rhyme may have been more sinister than the rhyme might lead on to believe.
In ancient times, people believed that to sleep in the moonlight was to risk becoming a lunatic. In addition, there were the many evil beings that were free to roam when the moon was full. The nursery rhyme may have been taught to children to protect them from the dangers exposure to the moon and the subsequent risk of lunacy or to use as a ward against the evil creatures that only walked by the light of the moon.
Other Literary References to the Moon and Lunacy
Shakespeare was aware of the many attributes and legends surrounding the heavenly bodies. Othello blames the moon for the madness that is around him “It is the very error of the moon; / She comes more nearer earth than she was wont, / And makes men mad. King Lear, however, laments the fact that “we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and stars: as if we were villains on necessity; fools by heavenly compulsion.”
However, fear is as powerful a compulsion as truth and may indeed be the driving force behind this nursery rhyme that teaches an awareness of the moon and the prayer for blessings from God.
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