winter solstice

turning turning
in an instant
all this flotsam
in the current
finding as the
sun has set
all that hasn't
found us yet
winter's chill
has settled in
summer's gone
what might have been
laying down
our weary heads
one last time
upon our beds
wondering what
the morrow brings
warmer winds
or songs to sing
go we gently
into night
or find within
the strength to fight
on this turning
of the year
are we grasping
hope or fear
darkness rules
this shortened day
can we trust
come what may
as long as we
have breath to praise
write the story
of our days
turning turning
with the tide
rise we now
what e'er betide