Solstice Fire

The solstice fire that final eve,

We all were hunkered 'round,

The silver lady of the night

Rose up in her splendored gown.

Attended by the stars was she,

And in her pale, cold light,

The shape of every stone and tree

Was picked out, snowy bright.

Why sit you here so gloomily,

Around the ring of wood?

This is the start of a new year,

Begin its birth with good.

Rise up and dance in merriment,

Down in your hearts full deep,

Take comfort in the end of time,

In its renewal steeped.

I have reached my waning,

And the sun has reached his wan,

From this night he is gaining,

And my lengthy reign is gone.

And so we did as we were bid-

Arose and made a dance,

The darkness from our hearts was rid,

Espousing a second chance.

Then, as the night was passing,

Reflection recommenced,

This time with a lightened spirit made

With vows of truth and sense.

A change of inner feeling came,

With kindness and good cheer,

Desire to favor all the same,

And harsh thoughts disappear.

So as you enter a new year,

And see the flame of time,

Remember that all endings with

beginnings are entwined.