"Holy Darkness," A Winter Solstice Poem

holy darkness
you kneel before us
as if at an altar
the quiet hear you whisper
beloved
come rest

you honor our exhaustion
as you take off our boots
battered by the year
you peel off each holey sock
one by one
with tender care

you swaddle us
with solitude and stillness
your embrace
like velvet
slows the beat
of our frantic hearts

you dim the skies
and reveal the cosmos
we look up and remember that
we are stardust
and that
we belong

you paint the world anew
a brilliant kaleidoscope
of black, navy, violet
kindling wonder in our hearts
humbled by the ordinary glories
that reward those who seek

you teach us to live in rhythm
with the earth and her creatures
who wisely know that darkness
cultivates life
and that possibility dwells
in the shadows

you lead us inward
towards deeper intimacy
connection and peace
in your presence
the journey back to wholeness
begins

after a year of exhaling
you, holy darkness, are the inhale
our weary lungs need
may we meet your invitation to rest
with gratitude and
surrender

Written by Ellie Hutchison Cervantes, Still Harbor Board Member