Report From An Opinionated Gardener – September 20
Tonight I looked out at the garden at 7 PM and the garden wasn’t visible: it was already dark. We’re two days from the autumnal equinox and the days are getting shorter. Part of me mourns the loss of early sunrises and long days, but I’m also determined to embrace the longer nights.
The song “Dark of Winter,” a Unitarian-Universalist hymn by Shelley Jackson Denham, comes to my mind. The WomanSpirit group from my church sings this at our winter solstice celebration and it’s one of my favorites.
Dark of Winter
Dark of winter, soft and still, your quiet calm surrounds me. Let my thoughts go where they will, ease my mind profoundly. And then my soul will sing a song, a blessed song of love eternal. Gentle darkness soft and still, bring your quiet to me.Darkness, soothe my weary eyes, that I may see more clearly. When my heart with sorrow cries, comfort and caress me. And then my soul may hear a voice still, small voice of love eternal. Darkness, when fears arise, let your peace flow through me.
As the nights grow longer, I want to hold these lyrics close to my heart, and let the peace flow through me.