Scattering to the edges of night

fall the dimming beams of the light.

Long shadows reach and stretch

their tallest growth spurt yet.

Rugged land rises to meet the edge of daylight

While sun finishes its shortest crossing

dropping behind the frozen hues

of jagged peaks and faded blues.

The horizon gathers closer in the mountains

Color and light diffuse upon the rocky ridgeline

encircling the known universe

of sight and belief.

The tall sky above finds a deepening

Opening the heart of the night

from the center of the heavens

A holding space, yet completely empty

Sky’s edge scatters the last embers

of the shortest daylight

while a weak shimmer of gold holds steadfast,

keeping vigil at the deepest dawning of the year

The night alive finds a life force of its own

even in the uncertainties of the dying light

the heart finds a settling pulse

while the soul peaks out its timid head

A new landscape takes shape on the coals of dusk,

one that does not depend upon sight for belief.

This soulscape awakens as the day-blind inner glowing

finds harbor in deepening shadows

and murmurs of the longest night.

Darkness becomes its own candle

dim starlight reminds of the eternal watching over

that is ever beyond our sight

but never out of reach