In Utquigvik, Alaska, the sun does not rise
from mid-November until late January.

In Northern Norway the polar night
takes over from November through

the end of January, the sun lingering
a mere six degrees below the horizon.

And at the north pole, by the winter
solstice, they’ve not seen sunlight

or even twilight since early October.
But every afternoon the residual light

reflects off the sea, drenching the
shrouded landscape in ultramarine,

the blue hour arriving later each day
as the sun gains strength in a new year.

May we keep that in mind as we head
into the dark—our light shining warmth

when and where it’s coldest, sapphire
hope reflected in our damp eyes.

We are the light, the bringers of peace,
your hand reaching for mine,

mine reaching for yours, as we wait
together for the sun to rise again.

•••

You might also enjoy this: A Winter Solstice Song—“Find Our Way Home” by Lea Morris
(with thanks to Phyllis Cole-Dai for sharing it)