Winter’s Grace Notes
The beauty and elegance of the season
In the frosty world of winter’s embrace, a mystical dance unfolds as snowflakes, like celestial messengers, descend from the heavens, each a unique creation, a miniature masterpiece, divinely designed. They twirl and pirouette through the air, their delicate forms glistening in the pale moonlight, weaving threads of frozen wonder across the land.
The world, cloaked in a pristine robe of white, becomes a sanctuary—serene, sounds muffled. Trees stand tall and proud, their branches adorned with delicate icicles, crystal chandeliers that shimmer and sparkle with every gust of wind. The ground is a canvas of untouched purity, a blank slate inviting us to leave our mark, imprint our dreams upon its frozen surface.
The snow crunches beneath our feet with every step, a symphony of sound, a thousand secrets shared. The air is crisp and invigorating, filling our lungs with icy breaths, awakening our senses, and reminding us of beauty in the simplest of moments.
As the winter solstice approaches, we gather together, bound by the warmth of our love and the light of our spirits. Many of us light fires that flicker and dance in the hearth, casting shadows upon the walls as we huddle close, seeking comfort in each other’s company. The solstice reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of hope, a promise of light.
As the solstice passes, we emerge from the darkness, like the phoenix rising from the ashes, ready to embrace the world with renewed vigor and hearts filled with love. Some of us gather under starlit skies, raising our voices in song, and we discover melodies that transcend time and space and carry our hopes and dreams into the universe. The stillness of night, broken by our harmonious chorus, becomes a celebration of life and all its wonders.
Families gather, their hearts alight with joy, exchanging tokens of love and gratitude. Each carefully wrapped gift holds within it a piece of our hearts, a tangible reminder of our love and appreciation for one another. We revel in the joy of seeing smiles light up faces, of witnessing the pure delight that comes with unwrapping the mysteries of the world. Gifts, like winter’s other grace notes, are woven into the fabric of this season, highlighting the beauty of human connection.
Beyond the material treasures, we find ourselves immersed in the true gift of winter: a time of reflection and introspection, a chance to turn inward and nurture our souls. For in the harshest of seasons—as the world remains frozen in time, awaiting Spring’s first gentle touch—we may find the strength to endure and cherish the warmth within us, learn to appreciate the fleeting beauty of a snowflake, the soft crackle of a fire, and the embrace of loved ones.
Author’s Note
In the Caribbean snow is non-existent, of course, but each island has its own rituals and customs that celebrate the season.
In Jamaica, when I was younger, I looked forward to Jonkonnu, a parade of masked and costumed celebrants, dancing to drums and cow bells. The people on stilts were a wonder to me. The parade would wind through the streets with some participants breaking away from the parade, open front gates, and give private performances to families. They carried a cup or bag with them, wanting to be paid for their effort.
I also remember people in the Cayman Islands scooping up fresh white sand from the beaches on December 24, sprinkling it evenly around the yard and underneath a tree with Christmas decorations, pretending it was the snow portrayed on all the Christmas cards. Walkways leading up to houses were lined with conch shells. No one was allowed to step on the white sand until Christmas Day.
One more thing…
This is the video I created (with the help of Canva) to introduce this prose poem on Instagram and other social media.
Credits for photos used in the video go to David Beale, Lore Schodts, and Ray Hennessy on Unsplash.
Upcoming…
A story about a family in a new land:
A Christmas Miracle, 23 December 2023
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Just beautiful!