The quote from Paul Bowles' "The Sheltering Sky" reflects on the experience of observing the full moon rise, suggesting a poignant sense of transience in what may seem like a routine event. Within the limited instances we may witness this beautiful phenomenon, there is a reminder of life's fleeting nature. The thought of watching the moon rise just twenty more times highlights the urgency to appreciate these moments fully, as they are not as infinite as they might appear.

This contemplation touches on how certain experiences, despite their frequency, hold profound significance. The moonrise serves as a metaphor for moments in life that, while seemingly abundant, are finite and should be cherished. Bowles invites readers to consider the beauty in acknowledging both the limits of our experiences and the vastness of our emotional responses to them, prompting us to be mindful and present amidst the ebb and flow of life.