Alexandra Kathryn Mosca — Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey

Fire Island comes alive every summer. And it’s a fun and favorite destination of mine during those months. But last year, at the end of December, my cousin and I decided to brave the cold and visit. By doing so, we discovered the allure of Fire Island in winter. We enjoyed it so much that we returned today on New Year’s Eve Day. We weren’t the only ones. A horde of visitors took advantage of the temperate Long Island weather. The resident deer population, too, was out in full force, as they also appreciated the mild conditions.

Winter has descended upon Fire Island, despite the welcoming warmth. The usual sounds of laughter were gone. The clinking of beach umbrellas vanished. Now, soft, soothing whispers of the wind weave through the dunes. and the once-bustling summer haven has become almost desolate.

Still, each step along the path (sometimes soggy from a recent heavy rain) was a reminder of summer memories. We could almost hear the laughter of summer voices mingling with the sound of the ocean waves. As we ventured further into the island, passing through the towns of Kismet, Saltaire, Fair Harbor, Dunewood, Lonelyville, and Atlantique, we encountered cheerful visitors and more deer lounging in the sunshine.

Except for an occasional home decorated for the season, the cottages stood quiet. They were bare with their shutters drawn tight against the winter chill. Yet, there was a stark beauty in their stillness. It was as if the island was holding its breath, waiting for spring to breathe life back into its colors.

We continued our walk, reaching a new favorite spot in Atlantique where we stopped to eat our lunch. The small marina now empty of any boats.

After lunch, a bicyclist stopped to take our picture as we snuggled into an oversize Adirondack chair.

No visit to Fire island would be complete with a stop at the beach. Usually vibrant and full of life, it was barren except for the sound of the waves. The scene before us was serene; the waves rolled in gently, their rhythm harmonious and comforting. It was as if the ocean was speaking in a language only it could understand.

I smiled at the thought, the warmth of those sunny days contrasting sharply with the cold of winter, and felt the urge to record my impressions. So, I made some notes. They were not just memories from summertime. I wanted something new, a tribute to the winter beauty of Fire Island.

The world felt different in winter, offering such an interesting perspective. Each sound was amplified in the silence. Birds chirped. A distant seagull called as it soared against the muted sky. The soft crash of waves brimmed with stories of the deep.

Time slipped by unnoticed. Then the sun began to dip low on the horizon. It cast a golden light in the sky. It was time to go.

As we made our way back along the main path, the first stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky. Though quiet and shrouded in winter’s chill, the island felt vibrant in its own right. Fire Island, I’ve come to realize, is more than just a summer destination. It is a place of memories, serenity, and reflection. It also reminds us that every season, even the coldest and darkest ones, holds beauty.

And on this last day of the year, I wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!