21/12/2025
Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. From now on, the days become lighter as we hurtle towards Spring...
So let's savour a few minutes of stillness to enjoy this beautiful seasonal poem from Wassail, a poem cycle in celebration of orchards.
❄️Winter Solstice❄️
Come once more, when all the rest have gone,
When blossom, leaf and fruit are packed away.
Come when slanted winter light holds sway.
Come amid bright silence. Come alone.
Come as you are, steeled against the cold.
Tread soft and slow among the naked trees.
Breathe the sparkling air with sabbath ease.
Come let this sparing time ingrain the soul.
Come the day the setting sun hangs fire,
Before its quiet climb that turns the world,
While the coiled spring is tightly furled.
Come, keep watch and catch this wild desire.
Come, and bring a new-made apple tree,
A callow stem with ancient root in union.
Dig deep, heel in, and there make your communion.
Come back, and sing the song in every season.
- illustration and text kindly reproduced with permission from Debbie Whitton Spriggs. We have a copy of her beautiful book as a reward in our crowdfunder, but not for long! Find out more via link in bio
