Poem for Solstice

As we await the returning of the light, I would like to share a poem excerpted from my first book, Fine Black Lines: Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness (Copright 1993,2003 Lois Tschetter Hjelmstad).

We Light the Lamps and Candles

In the autumn of each year
as the days grow short and rare
we will light the lamps and candles
of the memories we share

In the winter of the year
when the nights are very long
we can light the lamps and candles
and sing forth a haunting song

In the autumn of our lives
as we wonder, so we yearn
to see many lamps and candles
lighting each new step and turn

In the winter of our lives
when the days seem all too few
we still light the lamps and candles
and our spirits yet renew

In the darkest night of winter
where is strength for going on?
We wrap our courage ’round us
We rejoice that Hope has found us
and we light the lamps and candles
as we wait the coming Dawn….

May Light come into your lives, brighter and warmer than ever!

Love, Lois

Comments

sueleonardCFS 19-12-2011, 19:40

Lovely poem, Lois. Speaks so well to the seasons of our lives and to the season of the dark winter and the light that glows inside of us.
Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Reply
hjelmstd 23-12-2011, 21:14

Thank you, Sue, for your kind words and understanding!

Reply
Barbara Munson 20-12-2011, 02:19

This wonderful poem just keeps getting better and better the more times I read it. Thank you for sharing it, Lois. All my best to you and yours in 2012.

Reply
Anne s 22-12-2011, 03:46

Perfectly captures the quiet thoughtfulness this time of year brings us.

Reply
hjelmstd 23-12-2011, 21:13

I love your comments, Anne! Merry Christmas!

Reply

Leave a Reply