Solstice

in endless circles
the moon dances with the stars
through the solstice night
–
an absent sun-
sleet clatters off
the autumn leaves

the solar transit
far to brief indeed on this
winter solstice day
–
winter reborn-
I depart and return
in darkness

the year’s longest night
herald the winter solstice
ere the morning comes
–
watching our breath-
the black of night
pierced by stars

absent sounds of night
muffled by the blanket of
winter’s arrival
–
sudden snow
a southbound flight
interrupted

On the horizon,
the evening sun stretches low
beckoning the night.