A CELEBRATION




On December twenty first, as the sun slowly slid from the sky
A small group of misfits gathered together, who knows why?
They had come together to celebrate the solstice you see
A tradition so ancient, it predates history.
With their backs to the sun, they stood in anticipation
For what they did next, would start the celebration.
They had gathered wood and sticks in a haphazard pile,
Then when they lit it, they all began to smile.



The damp cool night, slowed the fire at first,
Then suddenly the pile, in magnificent flames burst.
Now the eldest woman of the tribe,
Made some sort of offering, or was it a bribe?
They all began to dance and the playing of flutes,
Caused the eldest of men, to voice chants and hoots.
Now the celebration was in full swing,
Music continued and they started to sing.
The flames now took on a life of their own,
Warming the dancers from flesh to the bone.
The smoke carried their praises to the very edge of space,
And simple delight was written on every face.
So why this celebration in the dark and snow?
Were the dancers just basking in the fire's bright glow?
They celebrate on this, the longest night of the year,
Giving thanks and praise that tomorrow, a new sun will appear.



The days will grow longer the new sun warming the earth.
Preparing all life for new growth and rebirth.
Now the fire dies down to one last glowing ember,
This night the dancers will forever remember.
The celebration continues with a glorious feast.
Now the tribe devours some roasted beast.
Satisfied after filling their tanks,
One more time they offer up thanks.
With that, the tribe calls an end to the celebration for this year,
Until the seasons pass and the return of the longest night is here.

—Guy Spastic © 2005