Friday, December 13, 2024

The Shortest Day

Last winter storms near the shortest day.

 

On the shortest day I just want to sit wrapped in a quilt, sipping tea, and read awhile by candle light.


 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, feast, give thanks,

And dearly love their friends,

And hope for peace.

And so do we, here, now,

This year and every year.

Welcome Yule!

 

Have you noticed the dark nights? By 5PM last evening it was so dark. I just wanted to put my pajamas on and head to bed with a good book or curl up to watch a movie. I will be so happy when December 21st comes and goes, for then I can anticipate the return of the sun.

 In the meantime I will savor the dark nights, light the candles, and sip something warm and cozy.

Sending love,

Marilyn

3 comments:

Jeanie said...

Like you, I am so glad when the light returns. It's slow. But sure!

Lorrie said...

The nights are certainly drawing in now. Like you, I just want to be comfy and cozy for the long evenings. Love the poem - it's like music!

Red Rose Alley said...

Yes, it seems to get dark earlier. Lighting candles and sipping a hot drink sounds like a perfect evening. Watching a good Christmas movie makes it even better. I love your tea cup photo with the greenery draping it.

~Sheri