Jody Aliesan: "Winter Solstice"

Thinking only makes the heart sore. — I Ching


when you startle awake in the dark morning
heart pounding breathing fast
sitting bolt upright staring into
dark whirlpool black hole
feeling its suction

get out of bed
knock at the door of your nearest friend
ask to lie down beside ask to be held

listen while whispered words
turn the hole into deep night sky
stars close together
winter moon rising over white fields
nearby wren rustling dry leaves
distant owl echoing
two people walking up the road laughing

let your soul laugh
let your heart sigh out
that long held breath so hollow in your stomach
so swollen in your throat

already light is returning pairs of wings
lift softly off your eyelids one by one
each feathered edge clearer between you
and the pearl veil of day

you have nothing to do but live

"Winter Solstice" by Jody Aliesan, from Grief Sweat. © Broken Moon Press, 1990.

Photography credit: Untitled image by unknown photographer, found at this link (originally color).