T’was the night before Solstice, and all through the house
Creatures were stirring, (even a mouse).
Popcorn and berries were hung from the rafters
When up from the kitchen came singing and laughter.
Friends were all gathered and sharing good cheer
With hopes that tomorrow, the sun would appear.
The day would be longer than one it preceded,
Exactly the change this cold season needed.
Wine and good spirits were served all around,
A toast was proposed, then loud clinking sounds.
“To the Earth, to the sun, to water and air!
May the cycle continue, and the gardens all bear!
May the forests grow tall and the rivers run clear,
May blessings be showered on all of us here!”
In the quiet that followed, a star crossed the sky,
And fell as a twinkle in each person’s eye.
Thus we crossed over the years longest night,
by morning, on rising, we reached for the light.
Author?
This is really nice, Shawn. Did you write it?
Authorship
It seems much of the attention given Christmas is pretty one sided. I wanted to play with some alternative verse.
I did write it, and am working on a song with a similar story.
I mostly enjoy Christmas as a day for hanging out with my family and close friends. But the essence of the holiday for me happens on Dec 21-22, when we acknowledge the path of the sun, doing what its done all along, dancing through the universe with earth for a partner. I honor the solstice out of respect for the elements, the earth, and all of my ancestors and present day relations who carry that tradition.
Closely observing the cycles of nature imbues one with an awareness that these cycles, and the balance of their parts, is what holds our planet together. Whatever lay behind all life, is manifest through these cycles and form. I want to give a voice to the awesome form, and trust that by honoring the form, i honor the source as well.