Winter Solstice

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 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