Between Our Steps: The Gift of Night

Cathy Hird reflects on the beauty and necessity of darkness, from starlit winter nights on the farm to moonlit walks and lessons from family life.

Northern Lights, as spotted near Durham in October 2024. Photo: Miranda Miller

Late on a clear February night, temperature minus twenty-five, I drove home to the farm from the city. Switching off the headlights, I turned off the car and stepped out into a space lit by stars. The Milky Way shone bright enough to cast a shadow. Orion had climbed into the s…