Solstice Sunset — Image by kenne
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!
— Susan Cooper
Gorgeous image, Kenne!
A beautiful poem for the Holidays!
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
And thank you so much for all of the beautiful photos, images, and writings throughout the years!
Thanks for the nice comment — much appreciated.
I absolutely love the poem, Kenne. I think it’s one of your best. I like the image too, though I really like the poem.