Winter Solstice

Have you ever wondered where it all began
The rituals marked among the Celtic clans?
Look into the past and they are found
This day is when the sun would turn around

For when darkest days of winter fell upon
The Pagans found a way to carry on
And through the years traditions tumbled down
For this is when the world now turns around

There are fables told and many customs formed
Of the apples pressed and wassail spices warmed
With toasts regaled when snow skimmed off the ground
This day was when light would turn around

There are moments keen with memory as bright as fire
And woven wreaths would halt all spirits dire
While Pagan songs across the land resounded
For this was when the sun would turn around

A Yule log fire would burn for twelve dark winter days
And ashes kept to bless the next year on its way
Reverse 'o time, as ebbing days were found
This is where the sun would turn around

They would meditate and dance among the trees
And hide their faces,  chant with chivalry
The radiant light would stretch the day with crowns
This is where the sun would turn around

This is where the past now comes undone
Reverse earth's darkness with the golden sun
This is where old legends come unwound
This is when the light would turn around



________________________________________
For Cyndi's Contest: Seasons of Light
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

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Kendrick Avatar
January 9, 2013 at 4:05 PM
Great idea and presentation of this winning entry..Congrats on your win..Sara
Zerbst Avatar
January 9, 2013 at 3:29 PM
You have captured how the Celtic clans were inseparably linked to the passing of the seasons, as nearly all ancient cultures were. I think having them linked together is part of why I like this one. The rhyme is great too.
A   Avatar
January 8, 2013 at 4:56 PM
Carrie, a nice SEASON OF LIGHTS a nice & warm CONGRATULATIONS, with your win is a DELIGHT & ENLIGHTENMENT in OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY (contest)... keep up the good work... always~PD
Liwayway Avatar
January 5, 2013 at 4:28 AM
Congratulations on your win!! Good day! :)
Nair Avatar
January 3, 2013 at 11:05 PM
Getting new info on how light is celebrated around the world. Feel honored to share placement with you, Carrie. A big congrats!! Jag
Johnson Avatar
January 3, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Very interesting description of the beginnings of many of our customs. Congratulations on a great win. Love, Joyce
Dietrich Avatar
January 3, 2013 at 10:10 AM
Did I ever tell you how young and sweet you looked in your Xmas picture I got of you? VEry nice!
Dietrich Avatar
January 3, 2013 at 10:09 AM
CArrie, it's so good to see you on the list. Sure miss you. I don't see your poems enough. and this is a great solstice poem. Congratulations.
Poet Avatar
December 11, 2012 at 11:31 AM
A beautiful poem on winter solstice.I have never tried this form which seems to be a tough one.Best wishes for the contest.
A   Avatar
December 10, 2012 at 2:32 PM
Carrie, good luck,,,pd
Dietrich Avatar
December 9, 2012 at 8:55 PM
carrie, this is a delight to read. I just love kyrielles and I like how you have used the form to explain the origin of the yuletime celebration at winters' solstice. I remember doing this theme in rondeau style a long time ago. So many things thru time that have inspired the poet, and this is a prime example!
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