by Yvona Fast

Gray November, dark December, 
Past celebrations we remember.

Increasing darkness pierces my heart, 
Dims my spirit and tears me apart. 

Crowds, gifts, parties, dress to impress
Holiday craziness, holiday stress.
  
Shorter days, longer nights. 
We turn on our festive lights.

On porches, windows, even on trees 
Lights shimmer bright in winter’s chill breeze. 

They send beams of joy to you and I, 
and every other brave passerby.

Beams of light glowing above 
Remind us of God’s eternal love.

Illuminating the long, dark night,
Hoping the future will be bright. 

Join the ritual of festive light, 
Smile and brighten someone’s night. 

Sharing goodwill with everyone.
Soon days will be bright 
         with snow and fun.

Yvona’s poems have been published in numerous magazines and several anthologies. She’s the author of 3 poetry chapbooks (Different, 2017 Foothills; Adirondack Blue Seasons, 2018 CWP); and Adirondack Seasons Haiku (Local Gems Poetry Press, 2020), 3 nonfiction books, and numerous magazine and newspaper articles. For more, see http://www.yvonafast.com/poetry