WINTER SOLSTICE

Skies’ crisp blue splendour the North wind exalts,
in Winter’s embrace, Nature slumbers;
this sacred dawn the Sun's rebirth heralds,
tho' the great freeze new life’s path cumbers.

Gelid storms buffet, colder days shall come,
Summer’s songsters now warmer climes seek;
man’s frayed spirit would silence and respite,
distant voices heed that wordless speak.

This day, the ancient tomb with brightness fills,
the Goddess renewed growth bestows;
the Great horned God from her womb shall come forth,
Spring’s promise shall in his heart repose.

The Sun has set, a Yule altar we raise,
the Season’s darkest day is done;
a downy spread the sleeping earth blankets,
the great Oak King this battle has won.

Sprigs of mistletoe 'pon the cloth we place,
holly and ivy our homes adorn;
birth's sigil 'pon the oak log we inscribe,
for our feast to grace till early morn.

To the Mother Goddess we grateful bow,
ancient God of the Forest invoke;
wine 'pon the Yule log the Priestess sprinkles,
as our forbears' blessings we evoke.

In the longest night’s beauty we rejoice,
for Heaven's blossoms hope's message spell;
starlit bonfires the Gold Orb honour,
Yuletide ditties our forlornness quell.

The Sun King his northward journey begins,
may his sacred light good fortune bring;
his radiance shall we in our hearts carry,
for our spirits to sustain till Spring.

© 2014 Lily's Verse
Lilium Candidum

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Image: wyldestonecottage.blogspot.com