Merry Christmas

Solstice

The clear night drops snow from
the clarity of stars, sighing in
a gather under our footsteps.

The brevity of cold light outside
leads us indoors to the warmth
greeting from a fireplace.

There oak and maple hiss steam
from snow crannied into bark.
Summer sweet sap crackles.

And we are witness to the logs
becoming red glows, our faces
the embers of quiet celebration.