Flashlights & Fireflies

We take to the meadow with flashlights to light our way and fireflies to guide our imaginations. Toward adventure. To find ourselves. At best, to become the person we long to be. At least, remember the person we once were.

The cool grass flexes under our weight and coaxes us down a sandy path toward the edge of the woods where fireflies gather in a festive display of slow-motion fireworks. With flashlights illuminating the way, heavy in our hand with batteries to last an expedition, we march deliberately while keeping a safe distance from the woods. The forest breathes and is host to myriad creatures and adventures best reserved for daylight hours and the fireflies marked the boundary clearly. We know our place.

The hill rises to greet us and once we reach our destination, we circle up and settle down in an arc; facing the carnival in the valley below. Alit with an array of rainbow lights and spinning rides and crowds of people celebrating the high point of the year- the midsummer festival.

Solemn air from the distant sea washes across the meadow and up the hill toward us bringing a welcome cool breeze with the slightest touch of saltiness. The land inhales the vitality of the sea and covers us in an magical cloak as we ease back into our beach chairs and smile as we survey the beauty that envelopes us.

Ahead is the carnival tucked down in the valley, on the horizon is a spectacular sunset, and behind us, the wood and a darkening sky with the brightest stars just beginning to peak through the shadow of dusk. And our flashlights sit beside us ready to illuminate our camp and to light our way home when time comes to collect us and send us on our way.

Artwork by Betsy Barry.