winter solstice
	
	when you startle awake in the dark morning
	heart pounding breathing fast
	sitting bolt upright staring into
	dark whirlpool black hole
	feeling its suction
	
	get out of bed
	knock at the door of your nearest friend
	ask to lie down ask to be held
	
	listen while whispered words
	turn the hole into deep night sky
	stars close together
	winter moon rising over white fields
	nearby wren rustling dry leaves
	distant owl echoing
	two people walking up the road laughing
	
	let your soul laugh
	let your heart sigh out
	that long held breath so hollow in your stomach
	so swollen in your throat
	
	already light is returning pairs of wings
	lift softly off your eyelids one by one
	each feathered edge clearer between you
	and the pearl veil of day
	
	you have nothing to do but live
	                                      -- Unknown