Yesterday was the Winter Solstice – the shortest day; grey, cold and wintry. A perfect day for bonfires, for eating the luscious golden fruits from the orchard, and for curling up in front of the hearth to sleep away the longest night…
‘The Shortest Day’ by Susan Cooper
So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us – Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!
Every day a little longer now. Every day a little lighter.
For you I’m wishing wonders. Bless ♥ xx
I constantly emailed this blog post page to all my friends, as if like to read it then my friends will too.
Sorry about the spelling mistake of permitting . I should be horse whipped lol
Cherry x
Love the poem and to see what happens, for you guys down under, for your winter solstice.Of course ,over here in the UK we are having our summer solstice and loving it …light nights till 10 and after, salads, strawberries, tents in the back garden (weather permmiting ) and Wimbledon for two weeks what could be better.
Cherry X
Wonderful! Love to you xx
Hi Nicole, lovely poem. I was just thinking about the winter solstice as I drove home last night but forgot to check up on it in the busyness of Friday nights. There was an unusual sunset in Brisbane – eerie almost given that a thick blanket of cloud covered the sky and the pink hues were trying to push through. What sweet joy your words, “Everyday a little longer now. Every day a little lighter”. Can’t wait. BUT without short, cold and dark days you couldn’t have that beautiful bonfire and the fun of snuggling at the hearth.
Oh even though I live in Hawaii we do have seasons. Mild but there,especially where I live,2500 feet in the beautiful Ohia tree forest, We are on the rain line and in the weather pattern so lots of wintery days are enjoyed. I love to light the fire and settle in for a “pajama Day” with my man and the doggies. We are having one today. Enjoy yours Nicole….Love