Winter Solstice (Poetry)

The season’s blessed with Yule’s good cheer
the wine of Life pours bright and clear
and festive spirits gather near
to mark the turning of the year

The sky’s chill promise augurs snow
red berries in the hedges glow
through gaps shrill whistling breezes blow
and sweethearts hunt for mistletoe

The landscape wrapped in Winter’s scarf
fires crackle welcome from each hearth
the stranger’s greeted on the path
and smiles exchanged with merry laugh

The tree is decked, the garlands hung
and winking fairy lights are strung
old magick casts its spell among
as far-off Christmas bells are rung

Out in the fields or city park
the white owl hoots, the foxes bark
the Cold Moon glimmers through the dark
and silvers trees, their beauty stark

The year is long, the road is steep
both town and village dream asleep
the greed men sow is all they reap
but Yule’s true gifts are free to keep