On a grassy hill crowded with trees and dark sky, the thick damp grass is a shock to my cold bare feet.
The night is bitter and the slight breeze brushes my skin.
From the hill I look up to the sky scattered with stars. It seems endless. The moon watches from among the stars.
My eyes drift down to the seamlessly empty city, gridded with street lights.
I feel small and insignificant. This silent world is too large for me.
I hear voices behind me, bringing me back to the bonfire, the hill.
Back to my friends waiting for me.
A flaming torch is tossed into the bulging pile and the dry wood bursts into life.
Bright orange flames roar into the night, sparks leap towards me.
Smoke drifts through the sky and clouds my vision.
It's heat invites me, a change from this still night.
A warm glow illuminates wide grins and sparkling eyes. The fire's heat seems to course through my veins and this peaceful hill suddenly feels like home.
It's nearing midnight now.
The air seems to be buzzing. Voices raise. Excitement builds.
The fire swells in front of us; our shadows dance on the trees. Sparks burst.
Midnight approaches fast. What seemed so far away is already upon us.
The New Year.
Boom! Loud crackling fills my ears and rattles my brain.
Bright sparks of all different colours soar towards the stars.
They explode and fill the sky with a radiating array of colours brighter than the stars.
Laughter and chatter fills the air as we celebrate another year. I can't help but smile.
Glowing faces surround the now smouldering fire, it's warmth bringing us together.
Marshmallows sizzle over glowing embers and the stench of burnt sugar fills my nostrils.
Stories are told and laughter is shared.
Peering over the faces, the sky seems brighter, more inviting.
The sun peeks over the horizon, signalling a new day. A new year.
In the distance more twinkling sparks spread across the sky.
The city is no longer lonely, unoccupied.
The world is alive, calling for me.
