Solstice eve

June 20-21 is one of two solstices, days when the rays of the sun directly strike one of the two tropical latitude lines. … In 2010, the solstice occurs and summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere early on June 21, at 7:28 a.m. EDT.

On the beach, 8:20 pm

Here is what I can show you:

The long, long glowing sunset over the cove.

Endless ripples on the water.

A gull winging by in silhouetted glory.

The moon.

I wish you could smell what I smell tonight:

Heavy-sweet honeysuckle and roses.

The sulphur tang of low tide.

A whiff of clammy fry oil from Iggy's.

I wish you could hear what I hear tonight:

Gentle swush of waves on the shore.

The mournful bark of gulls.

A mother explaining hermit crabs to her son.

A murmur of voices from back yards and jetties.

The fizz and pop of small fireworks.

I wish you could believe what I know tonight:

We who breathe the breeze, who see the sea and clouds,

who feel the summer air – peau de soie,

We are the luckiest of the lucky.

We are alive. We alone on Earth love beauty.

We are children of a darkly glimpsed Father.

Praise God from whom these blessings flow.

In memory of my father, James Hinman, on this Father's Day.

He loved sunsets and the shore.