the wilds of solstice sun and stars

~

saffron-silkened leaves swirl and dance,

vein-covered maps of months cascading,

a funeral procession of variegation,

gently pirouetting on long exhale;

their descents trace lacy lines on reddened cheeks,

at last dipping and gliding to final rest

coating my feet

covering my heart

clearing my mind

*

crisp autumnal hues subtly transform each

molecule to pristine hiemal white,

my lungs fill deep with promise of glacial respite

burning in pleasure with fresh-scented wonder,

the taste of evergreen thick on my tongue;

ribbons of silvery air swathe each tree and stag,

each sleepy wink of ursa major til

the air hums with anticipation

greedy

giddy

pining for

a blank slate hovering on periphery,

teasing at hints of gilded gray and

peppermint frost on upturned nose,

dusting my blue-veined fingertips

in icy transmutation

*

i long for that deep settling,

both coveting the newness of velvety stem

and viridescent vow,

yet content to abide in slumbered silence

as summer's royal finery is laid to rest

*

{Welcome capricorn moon}

the skies are yours to brush in bruised plums,

in dusky midnight blues,

the afterglow of amber and

sugared musk fad i n g

giving way to your twilit playground;

prepare us for vernal awakening,

plant your roots deep, fortify this

earthly temple, ease the toll of

seasons past,

and may the wilds of solstice sun and stars

be tempered,

our journey stayed by winter's steady hand

as the grueling task of rebirth

begs for balance;

be still and wait.