WINTER SOLSTICE

Reluctantly, dawn breaks
On this briefest of days –
Bleak and beautiful.

Austere silence
Low, languid Sun
Gilds dark veined ivy on wet bark
With burnished golden beams.

Icy silver rain slants down
Relentless on the puddling earth:
Protesting soil can hold no more.

On a dog rose
Barbed, leafless branches
Buttoned with fat green buds
Belie winter’s sombre face.

See! There, for those who look
In favourite remembered places
Needles of vibrant green peep:

Crocus, snowdrop, daffodil
Pierce lush moss and black earth
In impatient anticipation
Of Spring’s up periscope blooms.

~Carole Bone

Solstice Bells