Solstice Gods

So much
happens after harvest: the moon
performing novelty: slaughter,
snow. One hour the same
as the next, I held my hands
or held the snow.

“The World,” Jennifer Chang

How much can come, how much can go
When the December moon is bright,
What worlds of play we’ll never know
Sleeping away the cold white night
After a fall of snow.

“December Moon,” May Sarton

the feathers
               of some unimaginable bird
that loves us,
that is asleep now, and silent—
         that has turned itself
          into snow.

“White Eyes,” Mary Oliver

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

“The Shortest Day,” Susan Cooper

• 

• 

O what a warm and darksome nest
Where the wildest things are hidden to rest!
It’s there that I’d love to lie and sleep,
Soft, soft, soft, and deep, deep, deep!

“Winter Sleep,” Elinor Wylie

My dress is a Friday Pattern Company Wilder Gown with a modified bishop sleeve in a rayon twill. Morgan’s sweater is a Hey June Brunswick Pullover in a modal sweaterknit.