winter solstice gathering light

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 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 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

 

 

 

 

"Winter Solstice" by Jody Aliesan, from Grief Sweat. © Broken Moon Press, 1990.

Comments

[Lea]

How grateful I am for that knock... and to live and breathe and take in the new day, the new light which grows stronger in its nest of darkness... how grateful I am for your love and friendship. Thank you Rebecca for sharing these moments with us all... XOXOXO

[debsaidit]

living and breathing along with you.
Oh happy day

[Fran aka Redondowriter]

Rebecca, what a great way to start my day. Such a beautiful poem.

[Cynthia]

Oh, that's lovely! Solstice greetings to you, my friend. May we meet again soon in the sun and the warmth!

[Susan Fox]

Just beautiful, sitting here reading, thinking of you and all those words...feeling loved and blessed for such friends as we speed through time...
Always, forever friends. x

[Laura Hegfield]

so beautiful Rebecca, thank you for sharing this.

[gloria]

What a beautiful poem Rebecca. It inspired me to go make tamales.:) Have a wonderful day and Happy Holidays.

[gemma]

This is beautiful! LOVE this photograph. I feel as though I am among an ancient tribe of women.