winter's solstice

snow covered the trees and headstones
in an old cemetery where time
became both present and past.

winds whispered through pines
as souls of the dead 
passed by unnoticed,
they dance amongst the winds.

the heavens do not possess us
during this moment of time.

it is now the day of the year's renewal
where silence of long winter’s nights
breaks only momentarily
allowing dreams to subside
into the few waking hours
where we enter into a search
for an understanding of the circle
in the life-death continuum.

candles illuminate the night,
as the wood of the floor 
reflects the flames flickering and dancing,
in hopes of a quick ending
to this long night.

the flutes and guitars break the silence
while warming the soul with each note;
death now only holds the illusion

and life presents us solemnity.

but, the graveyard continues to present
its silence on this day of renewal.

yet, it is within
the midst of the headstones,
where the snows blanket
the iniquities of the land,
that our souls chase 
those within the winds
as we search for tomorrow. 

the marbled graves
bring finality and change.

the evergreens

give us hope.

the snows
show us purity.

winter's solstice...

-- EjG 

Originally Written 12.16.05 / Revised 12.21.12

------------------------------------

Author's Note: Solomon and the Scribe were in earlier postings. I introduced Icarus 12.16.05, they have become my searchers ~~

Both Solomon and the Scribe walked among the graves days before the winter’s solstice.

“Do you see the beauty of the graveyard?” asked Solomon.

“I do."

“Where?”

“I see it in the trees, the snow, the clouds, the scurrying animals and the gravestones. When you cannot see the beauty in these things then life is at its end,” replied the Scribe.

“Merry Christmas and a warm solstice to you,” said Solomon. “May you find warmth and understanding upon this day of renewal.

“And to you, as well,” stated the Scribe.

It was then that a man by the name of Icarus introduced himself to them, he was the keeper of the dead, the sexton. The three of them prayed for silence solemnity, and peace in the coming time. Winter’s passage is nothing more than a sexton letting the souls be free, which is all Solomon and the Scribe searched for in this time.

“Come with us, Icarus,” requested Solomon.

Accepting their offer, Icarus placed his responsibilities upon the ground, hugged both Solomon and the Scribe, and left with the two men. 

As they walked through the gates of the cemetery, Icarus expressed, "Life cannot be found within the headstones; nor can death be found within life. It's time to search for life."

The three men then walked away within the cold night winds of the winter's solstice...