Candles burning fires in the sky; lanterns riding the swirly winds high. This is all I have ever wanted…
I was scrolling through social media one day when I saw an ad for “The Lights Fest” in Chicago. Initially, I knew it was something I’d be interested in, but I never thought I would actually attend, assuming it would be too far or expensive. It turns out that it was located just a couple hours away in Wisconsin and was not too pricey. Before I even knew it, I had my phone in hand when the tickets went on sale, ready for the early bird markdown, like a tiger waiting for its prey.
The scene was packed with excited faces under the sun. Food trucks and merchandise shops lined the outer edges of the area, providing a tastefully alluring scent. Melodies of rhythms and rhymes filled the air as the live bands played their instruments. We scanned the crowd for a vacant spot in the grass, carefully stepping around chairs and blankets. Settling in between families, couples, and friends traveled far, the evening had begun.
As the sky blended from baby blue to orange nectarine, the wandering bodies let their feet guide them to their seats. I drew black roses on the skin of my lantern. A young woman climbed the stairs onto the stage before us and thanked the bands who had played that night. She introduced the program, explaining who they are and what the company is about. After the announcement, a new band entered the stage, polluting the air with with the sweet strum of a guitar. Drums echoed louder than the conversations held around me.
Then, suddenly, my lantern changed directions and headed straight toward someone’s face! There was no stopping it. It knocked over drinks, crossed people’s paths, and hit many heads before flying straight into a tree! The anticipated moment of releasing my lantern into the sea of lights was not only crushed but also somewhat disappointing. I turned back to my friends who were laughing hysterically.
Seeing everyone laughing and having a pleasant experience allowed me to put my mind at ease. We danced under the starlight of the man-made suns. The lanterns floated into the clouds, glowing a subtle yellow. In that moment, there were no worries on my mind. I drained my thoughts and stepped into serenity.
