So the shortest day comes

All at once down centuries,
light drives darkness away.

Candles in leafless snowy trees,
homes decked with evergreens,

long night fires keep years alive.
When sunshine blazes again —

they shout, reveling, echoing —
behind — our own same delight.

This shortest day reawakens us,
sleeping carol fests and friends.

Hope for peace – now, forever —
as deep winter solstice dances on.

. . . . .

Poet: Susan Powers Bourne
Source: Winter Solstice Music
Process: Redact, pick and mix