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Lincoln Hills Astronomy Group

Poems by Jim Fulcomer

Celebrate The Solstice (Updated)

The sun, in each successive arc, leaves us with increasing dark.
Shadows lengthen, dawn comes late, the gloom of dusk does not abate.

As bitter cold now roams the land, warm shelter is in great demand.
Yuletide once again descended as the present year is ended.

The Hunter rules the sky at night, with Sirius behind, to bite
Celene, once low in summer sky, now towers loftily on high.

The slow rotation of our sphere, denies us hours of day each year.
Ancients marked this aberration, while they noted the position

of the Golden Orb each day and watched it as it crept away.
The Solstice, long anticipated, and most eagerly awaited,

by the worshipers of pall, whose rituals do now enthrall,
Saturnalia, a time of pleasure, lured many in its merry measure

A pagan feast has now been claimed, by priest and scribe and those ordained
to lead their flock in joyful praise, for arrival of the Advent days.

They cast fey merchants to the fire, and those who promulgate desire -
to fill their coffers with bright Gold and slash the price of goods unsold.

How cruel the Winterset has come - with long, cold nights and digits numb.
The New Year should by rights begin, at nadir of the solar spin.

The wise ones would have had it so, but wisdom may not win,, you know.
So celebrate the Solstice done, for each new day will bring more sun.

Helios will resume his course, and show again his awesome force.
Drive out the cold and cruel frost. Awake the greenery once lost.

Cheer on the slow returning light, with mead and celebrate tonight!
Let not the chill of Winter harm. Stoke well the fire and keep you warm.

The Wassail Bowl is filled to share, with all good folk in garments fair.
Sing out in joyful intonation. Display the festive decoration.

What'ere your faith comfort fall, a Merry Solstice to you all.