For the longest time winter solstice appeared to be
As the shortest day of the year, a melancholic day for me
I would try to catch the last ray of the winter sun
Before the long, dark night would have begun
The winter solstice marked for me pervasive darkness
It amplified my deep feelings of loneliness..
*
These days on winter solstice, I look at the brighter aspect
After this day, longer days and shorter nights we expect
Although there are several months of winter to go through
Thinking about longer hours of sunshine drives away my blues
*
For the ancient cultures the longest night of the year
Represented rejuvenation, allowing crops to grow and animals to reappear
From hibernation as the days progressively longer grew
It was a time to get rid of the old and welcome the new
*
Though I am not observing any rituals to celebrate this day
I am celebrating this turning point of the year in my own way
By using the long hours of darkness for rest that I sorely need
And in the quietude and stillness around me, an engrossing book read
Passion...unbridled 