2026 marks America’s 250 birthday and the signing of The Declaration of Independence in 1776. Many of us remember our country’s bicentennial in 1976, an exciting time of Tall Ships, parades and much pomp and circumstance. In Bristol, we have a robust 250 Commission assigned with the task of creating our own celebrations and we have been running a weekly feature called 250 Words of Joy. With the holiday behind us, we we be running the last submission next week.

Good morning Bristol.
A crunchy step on a sun-soaked walk
Garden flowers that seem to talk
Cool air bathes you and blows away,
And rings the first church bells of the day
The shore tides whisper reassurance as they waver
With just enough salt to give the air a flavor.
And a blanket of hush rests in the air
As you walk for the “why” and not for the “where”

Rolling hills of deep green grass
Fluttering geese honk as they pass
And rocks line miles of endless blue
Something old and something new
Barbeque smoke swirls through the air
Someone’s grilling, a family affair
And children squeal as they play
A woman sits alone to read all day

Bikes speed through while others stroll by
A long winding path under a deep blue sky
Cattails and flowers and scattered sun rays
Sunshine in the evening for brighter long days

And colored petals down the center street
Neighbors come outside to meet
Where intricate swirls and artistic design
Guide the way for the procession line
Some just watch, others follow along
To mass at church in one large throng
Then festas and food and family and fun
And warm malassadas for everyone.

A Waning sun, A gentle breeze
As pinks and yellows break through the trees,
With an electric shimmer behind the air
As a sweet aroma blows through your hair
A worn-in book, glass of deep red wine,
Knowing deep down things will all be fine,
Goodnight Bristol. Saude!

-Kayla DaSilva