Catch The Moon By Judith Ortiz Cofer
Ever heard of trying to catch the moon? Sounds impossible, right? Well, that's kind of what Edwin, the main character in Judith Ortiz Cofer's short story, "Catch the Moon," is attempting, in his own unique way.
Edwin works in a junkyard, surrounded by metal and forgotten things. He's not exactly living the dream, but he's got a sensitive soul hidden beneath his rough exterior.
Finding Beauty in the Scrap
His stepdad, the junkyard owner, thinks Edwin is wasting his time polishing old car parts. He sees junk; Edwin sees potential, a hidden beauty waiting to be uncovered.
One day, a girl named Maritza comes looking for a specific hubcap for her mother's car. She’s not just looking for a part; she’s looking for something special, something that might just mend a broken relationship.
Edwin, immediately smitten, takes on the quest with newfound enthusiasm. He wants to impress Maritza, not just with his junkyard knowledge, but with his hidden artistry.
A Hubcap as a Love Token
The hubcap becomes more than just a piece of metal; it becomes a symbol of Edwin's affection. He meticulously cleans and polishes it, transforming it into something beautiful.
Think about it – turning trash into treasure, all for a girl! It's like a modern-day fairy tale set amidst discarded car parts. It’s also wonderfully quirky.
The Unexpected Gesture
Edwin doesn't just hand over the hubcap. He wants to make it a grand gesture, something memorable for Maritza. He arranges to deliver it to her in a way that’s a little over-the-top, a little theatrical.
He wants to "catch the moon" for her, metaphorically speaking. He wants to offer her something extraordinary, something that reflects the depth of his feelings.
Of course, things don't go exactly as planned. Life rarely does, especially when junkyards and young love are involved!
Humor and Heart
There's a lot of humor in "Catch the Moon," especially in Edwin's earnest attempts to be romantic. He's a bit awkward, a bit clumsy, but his heart is definitely in the right place.
It's easy to laugh at his grand plans, but it's also impossible not to root for him. We've all been there, trying to impress someone we like, often with hilarious results.
But beyond the humor, there's a real sweetness to the story. It reminds us that even in the most unlikely places, like a junkyard, you can find beauty, connection, and even love.
More Than Just a Hubcap
The hubcap itself becomes a symbol of hope and renewal. It represents the possibility of fixing broken things, both literally and figuratively.
For Maritza, it might help mend her relationship with her mother. For Edwin, it represents a chance at love and a way to express his hidden talents.
Ultimately, "Catch the Moon" is a story about seeing the potential in everything and everyone. It’s about finding beauty where others see only trash, and about the power of love to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
So, next time you see a discarded piece of metal, remember Edwin and Maritza. Maybe, just maybe, there's a story waiting to be told, a little bit of moonlight waiting to be caught.
Don't underestimate the power of a polished hubcap, or the power of a heartfelt gesture.
