I recently found these words this song I had tucked away, by the Wyrd Sisters. The words sum up my feelings at this time of year.
Solstice Carole
A Fire is burning
The long night draws near
All who need comfort
Are welcome here
We'll dance'neath the stars
And toast the past year
For the spirit of solstice
Is still living here
We'll count all our blessings
While the mother lays down
With the snow as her blanket
Covering the ground
Thanks to the mother
For the life that she brings
She'll wake us again in the spring
The poor and the hungry
The sick and the lost
These are our children
No matter what the cost
Come by the fire
The harvest to share
For the spirit of solstice
Is still living here
A fire is burning
The long night draws near
All who need comfort
Are welcome by here
We'll dance 'neath the stars
And toast the past year
For the spirit of solstice
Is still living here
The spirit of solstice
Is still living here
By The Wyrd Sisters
I have spent the last few weeks offline. Not by choice, but circumstance, always finding this is a time of deep reflection for me, especially in Winter. Not to say it can't be challenging and even difficult, as I live in a rather isolated rural community, and as of late due to in-climate weather have been often snowed in. It is a good thing I, for the most part enjoy my own company. But I am filled with gratitude for so many blessings.
As the New Year fast approaches, I've contemplated the losses, and events throughout the year. In particular I was struck by the deaths of Maritime musicians, and beautiful human beings, Rita MacNiel, Stompin' Tom Conners, Rayleen Rankin and lastly the death of Nelson Mandela. When Nelson Mandela died, I listened intently to so much coverage on CBC Radio about the man, and what an inspiring example he was. How of the power of the individual can help to contribute, to change in the world in spite of the odds and the obstacles. All these folks I've mentioned did the same in one way or another. It is what we are called to do on this earth I believe. To live as wise people through knowledge, contemplation, and reflection.
