a solstice carol

There is a Certain Slant of Light

There’s a certain slant of light,
On winter afternoons,
That oppresses, like the weight
Of cathedral tunes.

Heavenly hurt it gives us;
We can find no scar,
But internal difference
Where the meanings are.

None may teach it anything,
’T is the seal, despair,—
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the air.

When it comes, the landscape listens,
Shadows hold their breath;
When it goes, ’t is like the distance
On the look of death.

by Emily Dickinson(1830-1886) poet

at 7:04 this morning the winter solstice occurred* which means today is the shortest day and the longest night. as of tomorrow our days grow longer and the path to spring gets shorter.

last night we joined friends at s & p's home for their annual solstice gathering. the evening began with a walk to nearby edgewater park to watch the sun set. after saying goodnight to brother sun we turned around to stroll through the neighborhood in the waning natural light and as the artificial lights celebrating the season waxed. once home a convivial evening of conversation, food, wine, and poetry ensued.

warmest wishes for a most happy solstice - the reason for the season


a solstice carol

*for those of us living in the northern hemisphere that is!


photos: lone tree and lake erie at sunset. candlelight solstice eve. 20 december 2008, cleveland.