Summer

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 10:57am EDT, Summer begins in the northern hemisphere.

I once was a summer child, reveling in the school break, hot days spent at a pool or the river, getting tan, eating all of the lovely summer fruits, picnics, barbecues… and I still love thunderstorms.

Everything has a season. Summer is meant to be boisterous, bold, loud, and fruitful. It is the zenith of youth, where it marries adulthood, and produces strength and beauty. Its arrival should be celebrated with abandon. It is so short-lived, that enjoying every moment is mandatory.

On this day, it has reached its peak. In a few days, the sun will begin to rise later, marking the downhill run to autumn and harvest. Tonight, the lightning bugs will dance in numbers not seen before nor again this season. The Fair Folk will be mischieving (yes, I made it a word) about, and magic will flourish.
Dance with the gods. Sing your beautiful song. Rejoice in the life you have been given. Feel your connection to all that is. This is your night. Enjoy it to its fullest.

Midsummer’s Night

by Alexis Kallan Kennedy (originally published in Imramma Magazine)

She sits in silence as the longest day finally recedes.

A watcher, she is careful not to intrude; this night does not belong to her. The lightning bugs are the first to pierce this liminal cloak as they illuminate the forest.

The anticipatory tension increases with each passing moment. Will they come? Will they show themselves? It seems as if she is not the only one asking.

The death beetles and crickets begin their song- a cacophonic competition that rises and falls in synchronization, an invitation to the dance.

She holds her breath and tries to stay in the moment.

Don’t think. No anticipation. No expectation allowed. Be here. Be present. Be grateful. Feel the air filled with water; it is heavier than the night. Smell the bracing scent of forest pine and sassafras. Listen to the nocturnal concerto. Hone in on the fireflies as they pepper the scene.

Wait- are those eyes? Yes! Several sets, piercing blue and moving this way! They have come!

As she draws in breath, it is stolen by their majesty. These are not the tiny winged creatures of silly stories, but they are much more magnificent than she had ever imagined. Towering, lithe, and agile, their shine is mesmerizing.

They light a fire, and set up camp. The drummers join in the woodland symphony, as the dancers warm up. The king and queen take their places on cedar thrones, while the court prepares to feast. Their laughter is contagious and she forgets herself for a moment. The king’s head turns her way as her hand quickly covers her mouth. His eyes make contact with hers, and he winks before turning his attention back to the celebration at hand.

The fair folk begin their joyous festivity of fecundity and Mystery that will last until sunrise. She smiles as she takes it all in, knowing she is right where she belongs.