Claire's Corner: Winter Solstice

Poetry from Claire Sylvan's book, Turnings

Winter Solstice

This night is deep, silent.
Moon magic weaves shadow branches across the snow,
Weaves our changing lives
As we gather to mark this turning.

Sharp cold cracks wood at blade's persuasion;
The fire leaps, all are welcome here
To know earth's endless bounty.
We are warmed, fed, held
In the embrace of her sacred web:
This precious glimpse of what it is to give,
And to endure.

What have I offered to this bruised and brilliant world
Since last we waited for the light's return?

And now, what gifts may share,
In this once again new life,
Cracked open to the light, again?

About Claire Sylvan
Born within earshot of the Atlantic, on the rugged westernmost coast of Cornwall, England, Claire has a deep affinity for rocks, water, and sacred places on earth.

Claire has lived, worked, and raised a family in Haliburton County amidst good kind friends for 35 years and 8 years in friendly Almonte. She and her partner, Bev, are known as "the Grannies" to an ever increasing population of wondrous children.