Come Darkness, Come Light

Poinsettia, taken December 2009 at Mitchell Park Domes, Milwaukee

Tomorrow, December 21 marks one of my favorite holidays — the Winter Solstice.

Waverly Fitzgerald is my favorite resource for honoring life's seasonal rhythms with heart and soul. This is a poem I found last year from her School of the Seasons website.

Winter Solstice

Thinking only makes the heart sore. – I Ching

when you startle awake in the dark morning
heart pounding breathing fast
sitting bolt upright staring into
dark whirlpool black hole

feeling its suction
get out of bed
knock at the door of your nearest friend
ask to lie down beside ask to be held

listen while whispered words
turn the hole into deep night sky
stars close together
winter moon rising over white fields
nearby a wren rustling dry leaves
distant owl echoing
two people walking up the road laughing

let your soul laugh
let your heart sigh out
that long held breath so hollow in your stomach
so swollen in your throat

already light is returning pairs of wings
lift softly off your eyelids one by one
each feathered edge clearer between you
and the pearl veil of day

you have nothing to do but live

by Jody Aliesan
Grief Sweat, Broken Moon Press 1990

P.S. If you are looking for a beautiful solstice song, I'd recommend Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Come Darkness, Come Light".

May you find a few moments to reflect inwardly on any darkness within you that needs light and love — and find faith and comfort in the light and spring that is coming.

Comments

[Tre ~]

hey shannon...love this poem and mcc's song...such promise...such hope...such a reminder we never really lose the wings....not for a moment....i cherish the light you exude...:)

[Carter Levine]

You've done it again. Superb article.

[Harlan Pate]

If only more than 64 people would hear this!