The Return of the Light
by Louise Gallagher

As the light begins its slow return
and the earth tilts
her body weary of long nights
spent yearning 
for the freedom
to slip away
from the longest night,
behind the billowing clouds 
gathered upon the horizon
the sun gathers strength
to rise above our fear
the light will not return.

We stand upon the precipice
of Solstice,
leaning tentatively 
into the edge of hope,
holding back
in fear 
the air will still be thick with shadows
and the questions
we cannot answer.

Will the sun rise
to pierce the frosty air?
Will the moon and stars give way
releasing this brand new day
to a world free of the chaos and pain
of whispered threats and shattered hopes,
of long nights spent
dreaming of the sun's warmth 
returning
to kiss our skin
and awaken us from dreaming?

Will the earth continue its orbit around the sun
and the moon to reflect its light
so we can see daylight at the end
of this darkest night?

When will we choose to release our fears
and step, unencumbered 
into this brand new day
knowing
the celestial dance of time
is beyond our control?

When will we recognize
the steps we take 
to navigate
darkness and light
are all we have
to measure our progress
as we journey each year
around the sun.