A Wintry Mix
Solstice imaginings: Sijos, four micros, and a haiku chain
Solstice Dreams
Dreams weave through the night, silken threads of starlit hopes unfold, Solstice breathes a gentle warmth, longer days stretch wide in embrace, In the sky they spin, constellations dancing, guiding hearts to peace.
Nature holds its breath, moments linger in the stillness of time, Magic fills the air, a blend of light and shadow in harmony, In this sacred space, we discover ourselves beneath the celestial glow..
The Fox’s Watch
As twilight drapes the forest in a silvery shroud, the fox crouches low, its breath visible in the frigid air. Snowflakes dance around, glistening in the night.
With each cautious step, it feels the crunch beneath its paws, a reminder of the cold world beyond its den. The stillness of winter wraps around it like a cozy blanket, but hunger gnaws at its belly.
In the distance, the sound of rustling leaves heralds the coming of a rabbit. The fox’s heart quickens.
Tonight, it hunts, for the solstice brings the promise of light, but first, it must satisfy the shadows.
Snowflakes and Dreams
The child stands at the window, eyes wide with wonder, as snowflakes twirl and spiral down from the heavens. Each flake is a tiny miracle, unique and delicate, dancing to its own rhythm.
With a squeal of delight, she rushes outside, arms outstretched, mouth open, catching them on her tongue. The world transforms into a frosty playground where laughter trills in the cold air.
She builds a snowman, its carrot nose and coal-black eyes, joyous counterpoints against the white backdrop.
Her mother watches, smiling, remembering that today is the solstice when dreams spin like silver threads in the winter sky.
Solstice Skies
In the heart of night, Winter's solstice whispers soft, Stars in crisp, dark skies. Snowflakes weave their spells, Each one a tiny secret, Holding dreams of light. Children gather round, In the glow of crackling fire, Stories wrapped in warmth. Evergreen adorned, Glistening with hopeful cheer, Nature's bright embrace. Moonlight paints the world, A silvery tapestry, Magic fills the air. Solstice's sweet breath, Promising the sun's return, Life cycles anew. With joy in their hearts, They dance in the falling snow, Under starry skies.
A Heart’s Memory
In her dimly lit room in the nursing home, the 93-year-old woman gazes at the empty chair beside her bed. No visitors of late. Outside, the wind howls, a reminder of her solitude.
She wraps herself in a faded quilt, its threads woven with memories of laughter and warmth.
The winter solstice brings a chill that settles bone deep within her, yet she finds solace in the light cast by her bedside lamp. It reminds her of family gatherings, the scent of pine trees, and love's glow.
She sighs and whispers a prayer for connection, hoping someone hears her plea.
Beneath the Overpass
The homeless teenager huddles beneath the overpass, the biting cold seeping into his bones.
Winter’s grip is merciless, and the world feels like a frozen wasteland.
The city above him is alive with laughter and warmth, but down here, shadows loom large. He wraps himself in a tattered blanket, imagining it’s a shield against the world.
The winter solstice feels like a cruel joke, a time for celebration he can only observe from afar.
In his despair, he looks skyward and spies a shooting star in the cloudless night sky. Blue lips form a wish, a cry for deliverance.
Author’s Note
My book of poetry and prose, The Edges, is available in digital and paperback formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.
Preorder my new book of poetry, Immigrant Dreams.
Upcoming…
Prose and poetry about the cosmos:
Star Gazing, 28 December 2024
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Loved them all, Caro.