I hear your laughter, you coming darkness. I hold my tongue at your mockery of our quavering, as daylight diminishes with each passing day. I bear your taunts about how hope dwindles with your growing deluge.

Because the joke is on you.

I light one candle, and you cringe. For all your black might, you snuff out not a flicker. And the solstice comes, when you are at your height.

One night.

Then the light returns, waxing with each new day. You must needs wither then, for your season passes. How appropriate, then, that we Christians celebrate Christmas within the very heart of your apex.

For if you can’t overwhelm a single candle, how will you conquer the Light of the World? Well did Saint John prophesy when he wrote, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Laugh, mock, taunt while you can, darkness. Light comes. I need only wait.

Christmas candle

the joyful cacaphony

of unwrapping presents

for Heeding Haiku With Chèvrefeuille, December 19th 2018, Candles

Carpe Diem Seven Days Before Christmas 2018 (2) Candles

Real Toads’ The Tuesday Platform (imagined by Vivian Zems)