Solstice

In Winter
memory knits old dreams
into cold blankets,
the season mumbles
through frozen smiles,
teeth chatter in their roots
and breath—never frozen
floats away like smoke
on the chill wind.

Spring brought us hope,
a resurrection of hearts
waiting for the first green
to rise and spread
across a flood of tears;

By Summer
we were fearless
as blood ripened in our veins:
We ran bold and reckless
through endless days
and counted our nights
as if they were stars...

By Autumn, though, each falling leaf
whispered a reckoning as it fell
and once again
Winter closes an icy fist
and as the skin tightens
against each knuckle
hearts can turn to sallow white,
but each breath drawn
is a moment gained
in this journey toward
the light.

Prayer

Be with me in this life.
Take my hand— Not to guide
but call it a gesture
of confidence,
a sign of faith.
Swallow your questions.
Hold fast:

I know where we are going.