The summer solstice approaches quickly once June arrives. Days end later and later; the sky still glimmers with light past 9 p.m. Standing on the deck facing east, the sun rises far to my left. Once the summit has been passed it will begin its gradual journey back towards my right, slowly shortening the days, until the winter solstice in December signals the imperceptible lengthening of the days again.
I know, of course, that it’s not the sun’s movement causing all this pageantry but rather the sun’s gravity causing the movement of Earth as it travels through time and space on its ancient path in the Milky Way.
I’m just a passenger watching the scenery as it goes by.
Below are some photographs I took around the yard during yesterday’s summer solstice.
purple coneflower and spider
sweet pea and friend
fungi, mantis and Beaudie
Daylily, photographed at 9 p.m.
ufo (actually, it’s a firefly)
9 p.m., June 20, 2012