Solstice

A hearse rolled by

on the way the Oak Hill Cemetery –

no one I knew.

A young man then strolled by,

a young woman on his arm –

I recognized him.

With Christmas around the corner,

I half-expected the baby Jesus

to next toddle on by.

The stoplights just winked

red and green, red and green,

and the skies were cloudy all day.

But with the air far too warm for snow

we’ll soon start one more turn around the sun,

the earth’s trajectory and tilt barely wavering.

And as the days get longer again,

throwing off that extra warming blanket

is rarely being mentioned.

There are reasons for the seasons

and the times and days of our lives;

not every change will bring joy.

But I was glad to see the smile

on the young man’s face.

Peace on earth, goodwill to them.