Our Family Astronomer Royal, Dr. Richard Schwartz reminds us that today is the winter solstice. High Holy days for for my ancient Celtic ancestors. Coupled with last night's lunar eclipse he is giddy with excitement. So let us rejoice. The dark days are behind us, the days grow longer, spring is not far.
The Irish born, Catholic nuns of my youth were big on making little children recite. Poetry, bits of verse, catechism it made no difference. "Stand up straight Toad, give us the first 10 lines of..." I can conjure up those memories at will. My favorite was and is by Robert Frost, a poem suitable and fitting for this glorious day.
and finally,
Have a blessed day, pay heed to the natural rhythm of the seasons.
Toad
The Irish born, Catholic nuns of my youth were big on making little children recite. Poetry, bits of verse, catechism it made no difference. "Stand up straight Toad, give us the first 10 lines of..." I can conjure up those memories at will. My favorite was and is by Robert Frost, a poem suitable and fitting for this glorious day.
and finally,
WINTER'S ENTRANCE
As days shrink
to the size of a small doorway,
darkness dominates
like a protective dome
in the star arched sky.
We frenzied town dwellers
seek security
in hyperactivity:
buy bigger presents,
indulge in more parties.
Beyond the entrance we call ‘Winter’
lies a quiet space, empty
but for a single candle
whose light increases
as dreams and hopes
fuel its incandescence.
Step softly within
where the calm communion
of sitting with silence,
shining with light
brings long sought oneness.
Kaaren Whitney
Winter Solstice 2006
Have a blessed day, pay heed to the natural rhythm of the seasons.
Toad
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