with these fruits of seasons past
come share a feast with friends and family
rejoicing in the year's goodness
and reflecting on its lessons

light wanes fast
darkness shrouds the land
light's power shrinks
and draws inward
into winter
into the underworld

cold winds weave icy lacy beauties
in woods and waves
winter stars
the hunter and his dog
pierce the black sky

now's the time to wonder
to seek truth in veiled mystery
reaping gifts of spirit
and embracing earth as healer

as the land leans back
into winter
in peace turning round
into night
our hearts lean into the mystery
awaiting the birth of the light

let us kindle a sacred fire
and gird it with our prayers
sharing hearts and hopes and dreams
for the new year of bountiful blessing