I know most of you probably don't celebrate Winter Solstice, but it's special to me. My mother and I always start feeding the birds again on the solstice, we've given them time to fly south and now it's time to feed those that remain. December 21st is the longest night of the year. The days get a little longer each day afterwards. It's just another way that God can be found in nature.

"Deity's Abode"
in celebration of Winter Solstice

As this night approaches,
my soul remains trapped
in the ice and darkness.

The sun appears for
such a short while--
then gone.

Gone with my hopes.
Gone with my dreams.
Gone with the promises,
so it would seem.

And then comes the darkness.
The longest night of the year.
The longest darkness of my soul.

No light in any direction
and it seems endless--
Winter Solstice.

As soon as it passes,
the renewal starts.
And from this time forward
the darkness is not so dark.

The sun begins to peek
over the horizon.
Only a slim sliver of light...
But it's light.
It's hope.

All nature surrounds me
and shows me the cycle of life.

Darkness and light.
Life and death.
Sorrow and joy.
Pain and renewal.

As I watch the silent, disrobed trees
and bare, stripped earth,
I feel the cold wind on my cheek.
Yet I know that soon that wind
will be warm and bear the
scent of honeysuckle--

I learn that in nature
I will find peace.
In nature, there is God.