BY ED NORTHEN
Bears are denning
elk have migrated
swans have returned from the north
light recedes rapidly
an orb of lunar light
rises in darkness
temperatures drop below zero
everything is enveloped
in an icy prison
rivers have frozen
and long-tooth icicles
hang from roof edges
Solstice is a day of turning
when light remains
just a moment longer
initiating hope
the sun
is not burning out
longer days
bring assurance
winter will pass
the earth will renew
bringing forth life
as it always has.
Its primal worship time
of human inhabitants
to natures rhythms
so mountains are climbed
trails are skied
rivers are walked
people gather
filled with gratitude
In celebration
of nature’s beauty
and enduring gifts