These dark days of winter 
no snow or ice 
just a grayness 
hung low from the sky.  
We all want to be free 
free from pain 
free from hurt 
thoughts, mind 
body still.

Yet I go outdoors 
Praying for the sun rays.
I won’t squint or complain
This time, I promise.
Your rays are not harsh
But a welcome home
Into your warm embrace
We all long to be.

Gray sky
Gray concrete
The houses look dim
The trees stark black.
I can see the cardinals
seeking shelter in the tree.
Where do they sleep at night?
Do they nest or hide in a stronghold
Sheltered from the cold
The gray, the unending hard ground?

The body hardens against the harsh reality 
and all I want to do is soften in that warm embrace.
Lead me by the hand
Yours warming my cold fingers
Gloves don’t keep out the cold.

I saw a glimpse of the sun 
and I went outside to seek its wisdom 
to bask in its glory 
to soak up some rays.
The biting wind greeted me.
My strong legs carried me on
Hoping my body would soon warm up.

Stride after stride
We all want to be free 
free from pain 
free from hurt 
free from isolation and a cold shoulder.

A warm smile greets me like a warm mug of tea
The whole room softens in your glow
The light of Imbolc, another of nature’s cues
The darkness is not a permanent state
The sun doesn’t always shine
It doesn’t have to rain or snow on a cold, gray day.

My emerald heart glows in your embrace
To walk upon the body of Earth.