the-winter-solstice-marks-the-shortest-day-of-the-yearShortest day
swallows brightness
in diminishment
crouching against
empty branches
silhouettes of
previous solstice turned
deft on tip-toe, sore and wild
when the world was not
sleeping beneath
first frost
waiting in steamy breath
for chasing night
to subdue her urge
there’s more dark
than day in this
glassy moment they realize
taking longer steps
against setting shadows
creating winking specters
in faded swallow of
last light