Solstice

The sun set amid grayness of cloud and rain;
autumn passed with no whimper of color.
In darkness the clouds vanished like the smoke
of burning leaves,
leaving silver stars to pierce the black;
the longest night begins.

This is the day, the shortest day,
when earth finally sleeps.
Let us sleep too,
and rejoice in the darkness
that will bring to us, so soon,
the glory and light of birth, and joy.