It wasn’t winter
I have realised,
age 55
that it wasn’t winter that made me miserable and maudlin
after all.
It was my work,
the ruled, clock time,
stealing daylight
leaving me night.
I have maligned winter,
avoided her,
curled up and wished for spring.
But I have wronged her,
for there is beauty in … Read more
2019 review – Winter Solstice Reflections
Tomorrow (Sunday) is the shortest day. At 04:19 tomorrow morning, the sun reaches its most southerly declination of -23.4 degrees which means it is when the North Pole is tilted farthest away from the Sun, and so we have the fewest hours of sunlight of the year.
I miss the sun and the light. I’m … Read more
Thank You Winter
Thank you winter
For glowing fire and wood-smoke,
For bonfires spiraling into the early fall of dusk,
For early nights with hot water-bottles wrapped up tight,
For long hot baths, scented lavender,
For time to read, to play cards, to find myself beaten at Scrabble.
Thank you for hot drinks, warming food, clothes which drape … Read more
Happy Mid Winter Solstice
The night of the 20th-21st December was the longest night of 2017. In the middle of winter, the solstice was traditionally celebrated as the time of honouring the coming of the sun.
In the depth of the dark, we remember the coming of the light.
This is my magnolia tree.
Most of it’s leaves have … Read more
