And so the Shortest Day came and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreens;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us - listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,
This the Shortest Day.
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!
The Shortest Day
copywrite:
Susan Cooper
Here's to lighter, brighter days ahead!
Thanks for stopping by........*s*
what a lovely poem, Gary said we going out of the tunnel now, the darkness
ReplyDeleteHi Linda....I like Gary's idea. It feels like a tunnel today!
DeleteDearest Suzi,
ReplyDeleteLovely poem and oh was our day dreary, dark, wet and SHORT!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hi Mariette....We are in for several dreary, dark days, including Christmas. But all will be merry and bright indoors, and that's the important part!
DeleteI hear that our days are already seconds longer :)
ReplyDeleteHi Gary....I think the days are getting longer. We have had so much rain and dark clouds that it's hard to tell what time of day it is!
DeleteGloomy here too. I am looking forward to longer days and some sunshine.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the poem.
Hi Michele....Short, gloomy days are the worst. Just being able to step into the sun for a few minutes is a pleasure at this time of year.
Delete