In just a while I have to go Into the rain and cheerless cold And leave this warmth that comforts me Before the coming of the snow. For just another moment more, Until I do another chore, I'll watch the rain as it comes down, I'll wait beside the open door. No one can say what's there for me Beyond the hills, beyond the sea. So close to home I'll stay today Where I may love and I may Be. And on this dreary solstice day Into the world so dark, so gray I'll go, but just one minute more Before I'm off and on my way! ________________________________________________ Portland, Oregon - December 21, 2021. This poem is my attempt to mimic Robert Frost's perfect, "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening." No one can match the brilliance of his work, but it was fun to try given the parameters he set for his piece. It's a challenge because I'm not used to sticking to a strict style in terms of rhyming patterns and syllabic rhythms.
Solstice
Solstice
The solstice nears,
days long, night short,
dreams wild and insistent.
Spring bleeds into summer.
Riotous colors of flowers
announce natures bounty –
the sun dominates.
Moonglow lost in late evenings –
Children shout joyous release.
The longest day takes hold –
the solstice nears.
Seattle, Washington – June 19, 2002. This was written by my lovely wife, Carol. Lovely in every way!
‘Twas the Night
Before it came to be, in a twinkling
long away, there was but lorn darkness
without light, form, or play.
Nothing spinning, nothing bright
just a hum, a still murmur
on a cold, empty night.
Who can imagine, who wonders aloud
what caused it to be, our heavenly shroud?
So long ago, so far away
came a great light, with a bang so they say
but nay, rather with a shudder then a click,
the lighting, bright flaring, of a wick
in a vast, silent, and dark night
with none, so we think, to see its light;
propelling stars, engendering moons,
birthing water and stone, morning and noon.
The cold lowering winter sun
breathes with frosted breath,
gleams on snowy fields and frozen streams.
Far away we are from where we once began
standing on creation’s slender lip
where was night, nothing, all, and then…
Portland, Oregon – December 20, 2018, eve of the winter solstice.
.
In Cascadia 