Solstice Night

 

The rain comes

In rapid drops

That slow

From time to time

And speed again

As if to say

“Not this year”

They are bold

To make an appearance

In these water soaked

Moments

On a night that

Should be

Crystal clear

 

It is Solstice night

When the darkness

Envelops the world

And stretches 

The blackness

As long as it can

And even if it is just a minute 

It is long enough

For me to notice

That tonight 

Is the annual

Longest night

 

There should be stars

Sparkling 

In the black sheet of sky

There should be a moon

Full and bright

In this longest expanse

Its one task

To welcome Winter’s

Cold and slumber

 

Not this year 

 

The moon and stars

Sparkle a night

That is hidden

From me

Behind a blanket of grey

They do not want to be seen

And yet they must

As solstice

And full moon

Coincide 

 

I will watch 

And wait

For that one perfect moment

When, perhaps

The rain will stop

And the clouds part

And stars and moon

Dazzle and dance in

One perfect moment

To mark the gifts of

The longest night

 

 

I will watch 

And wait

For earth and sky

To kiss each other

And remind the world

That peace and joy and justice

Is possible

 

I will watch

And wait

Because like the rest

Of this world

I yearn for the promises

That only this night

Brings

 

Poem by: C. Alicia Randolph, © 21 December 2018