The Winter Solstice arrives here on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 10:27 PM EST.
(Friday, December 22, 2023 at 0327 UTC)

Heidi Barr (heidibarr.com) is an author and poet who I became aware of just the other day. This poem, December Dark, can be found in her book, Slouching Toward Radiance (Amazon link. I receive no compensation). Her work reminds me of Mary Oliver and I hope you will enjoy exploring her website and also take a moment to celebrate the light’s return.

December Dark

Take solace in gentle
rhythms of ritual, in
ceremonies of the ordinary.
Brew tea, fold clothes, knead bread,
walk to the mailbox.
There is much to savor
in slowness, when quality
of attention allows noticing
each detail –
wisps of steam rising
soft folds in well-worn shirts
hands and dough working together
snow crunching underfoot in moonlight.
Celebrate this walk
through dark days,
this chance
to do it differently,
to revel in slowness
while light waits its turn.

— Heidi Barr