Early sets the winter sun

turning out the lights of day and

bringing frosty crisp night skies and

stealing away the last of earth’s warm breath.

Darkness grows ever longer

creating hunger in every creature for

return of tepid sunlight if even for

a few moments eked out mid-day.

Winter’s wanderer finds no solace

following the short-lived sun nor

discerns any path in darkened landscape nor

senses hope on grey morn horizons.

Darkness lengthens to cover day

until its weight tips the earth’s axis with

the battle between light and dark ending with

winter’s solstice declaring light the victor for now.

Tide of darkness ebbs and flows

washing earth and life pathway of

no one overconfidently striding out of

the other side of night.

Hunkered under coverings

made from earth, stone, wood and

wool, cotton, fir, leather and

set next to fire-filled stove

winter’s traveler marks the time

by the lengthening days that

warm tree, bush and ground that

spring to life with thawing sap.

Hope returns as light expands

filling up the hours of each day to

replace cold long nights to

give hope and light for every journey.

Timidly every creature tests marshy ground

each muddy path leading further into

days that longingly look into

the other side of night.