The front porch light can be welcoming, or protective. It tells passers by, especially on Halloween, to ring the bell. But, if the residents are not home and want to make sure their property is protected, they leave the bulb on. Like a facade it shields any absence. It is the literal spotlight, on a household.
The back porch light, however, is less for defensive purposes, than it is an intriguing invitation, to wander outside. As I sit here, half shaded by the darkness of a February nightfall, half illuminated by a blue-full moon- I watch my children gaze at the luminous, natural, lunar, spectacle. They chase each other around, stepping back and forth between the unobscured beauty, of the Texas sky and the power-driven ignition, of the back porch light.
This particular back porch brilliance, brought a family outside, in the crisp winter clime. This enticing spark, both provocative and magnetic: created a learning experience not only for two teenagers and a seven year old, but also for two parents, who were unaware, they were yearning for some simple, unburdened, organic moments, with their children.
This night, I stepped outside, looked up briefly, then was drawn in, to the events unfolding, in my back yard: laughter, synergy, sibling harmony.
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