Twilight

As an author, there are certain words with which I feel I have had a love affair. I am kicking off a new series to spotlight these beautiful words. I will attempt to explain the images these words conjure in my mind’s eye or the feeling they create. Twilight is the first of those words. And it has nothing to do with vampires or shirtless teen heartthrobs.

For me, twilight is summer. The gentle touch of cool grass on bare feet. The twinkling of lightning bugs in a jar. Staying up late. Or watching reruns of cartoons on Fox. Plastic-tubed popsicles. And exploring the woods with my little brother. Sticky hot days and muggy nights. Cicadas buzzing. Bats swooping low during a dusky game of catch. Sleeping in late and reading as many books as my mind could hold. Fiery orange sunsets reflecting off pristine emerald water. Thunderstorms outside the window and begging my mom to let me lie a bit longer watching lightning streak through the clouds. Washing my hair in the hose out back, water balloons fights, and birthday cake. Playing ‘Ghost in the Graveyard’ half the night (or at least it felt that way). Dark forests and bright stars.

Twilight is a color. A soft amethyst that coats the world, and my memories, in velvet. Adding texture to a simple word on paper.