THE SHORTEST DAY
PHOTO: the trees in my yard this morning
COLLABORATION/OFFERING no. 232
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020
Yesterday, because I was unavailable, Louise did all of the work, sending me this lovely passage and even providing Wendy Andrew’s beautiful image. Merci Louise.
I only got to reading it this morning, which is beautiful and very peaceful with a fresh powdering of snow dusting the world beyond my window, on a windless late December day.
Everything about Cooper’s passage rings especially true right now. There is a deep happiness waiting for us beneath the weariness and our shared anxiety. A promise…And so many reasons to give thanks in spite of the turmoil and suffering caused by COVID19 and our own failings as a society.
I’m heading out later this morning to have eye surgery done. One more thing to worry about. One more reason to feel afraid and anxious. And yet, I’ve already received word from friends–messages of encouragement and LOVE. My sons have been extraordinary; other family members and dear friends so lovely. There is so much goodness all around us. This year and every year.
LA CITATION:
THE SHORTEST DAY
by Susan Cooper
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 evergreen;
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 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!“
ARTL Wendy Andrew https://www.paintingdreams.co.uk/products/yule-card
Aubade 