We recently reached the winter solstice. The longest day of the year. As we welcome shorter nights, we can still reflect on the beauty of darkness, with this poem by Stephanie
Noble, called "Winter Solstice"
Dark is the rich fertile earth
that cradles the seed,
nourishing growth.
Dark is the soft night
that cradles us to rest.
Only in darkness can stars shine
across the vastness of space.
Only in darkness is the moon's dance so clear.
There is mystery woven in the dark quiet hours.
There is magic in the darkness.
Do not be afraid.
We are born of this magic.
It fills our dreams that root,
unravel and reweave themselves
in the shelter of the deep dark night.
The dark has its own hue,
its own resonance, its own breath.
It fills our soul, not with despair,
but with promise.
Dark is the gestation
of our deep and knowing self.
Dark is the cave where we rest
and renew our soul.
We are born of the darkness,
and each night we return
to the deep moist womb of our beginnings.
Do not be afraid of the darkness,
for in the depth of that very darkness
comes a first glimpse of our own light,
the pure inner light
of love and knowing.
As it glows and grows,
the darkness recedes.
As we shed our
light,
we shed our fear,
and revel in the wonder
of all that is revealed.
So, do not rush the coming of the sun.
Do not crave the lengthening of the day.
Celebrate the darkness.
Here and now.
A time of richness.
A time of joy.
By Stephanie
Noble
