Winter solstice brings a short cold day.

Tree’s buds wait hidden under red-brown coverings

their leaves tightly wrapped around one another

compressed and silently thinking – the end is near.

December roses tremble together on leafless stems

their hope flutters while sun’s feeble rays fade.

But now, in the long dark night, roots remember

that the body of earth entombing them turns

yes, turns toward the next light and a longer day –

An awakening.

-J.J.Brown 2012