WINTER SOLSTICE WISH

A lyrical look at the shortest day of the year.

Inspired by the beachfront celebrations that occur near the author’s home in San Diego, this tale sees a community gather together to savor the light. As the day slips by, everyone makes the most of the sun’s rays, attempting to “stretch the daylight / as much as we can, trying to make it last.” But as the sun slides down and the beach turns purple with darkening hues, neighbors gather firewood to create a bonfire (in a safe, designated fire pit). They stretch out arms and link hands, “squeezing in silent reassurance. / A reminder: / I am still here. / A promise: / I always will be.” Paganelli’s burnt orange flames lick the night sky, shimmering with specks of stardust and surrounding the group with warmth and love. The racially diverse, bundled-up crowd sings songs and casts wishes into the firelight’s glow. Fox concludes this lyrical exhortation to appreciate every moment by briefly explaining the solstice and touching on global winter solstice celebrations, all of which she explores more in her author’s note.

A bright spot of hope on a day where darkness is dominant.