I wrote this poem on the winter solstice which symbolises our journey into the darkness, the unknown terrain. Coming into nature to celebrate this time I feel deeply supported, softened and more receptive to the forgotten parts of me that are coming into the light.

Your Light Beyond the Familiar

As I walk, following lights 
Paved by others 
Grasped by loved ones 
I am drawn to the dark corners
beyond this narrow conversation 
I feel the haunting call
of these dark spaces
And yet I stay within ear reach
of familiar murmurs
that rock me asleep 

By and by I glare more longing
into this frightful wonder 
Who would I be out there alone
in the pitch black? 
A cold soothing breeze 
Kissing the back of my neck 
Calling me in
Resounds a respectful
and yet stern invitation 

Darkness has taken its hat off in reverence  

Surpassing doubt, 
I pause and let the crowd walk on without me
With a tearful, chest filled breath 
I turn my own light on for the first time
Enveloped in darkness I journey off script
Guided only by my heart’s call and natural desires
While nursing a reluctant angst to return to safety 

But I will not stop now, not this time 
Not until I find absolute rest here in the darkness
I will journey into a life age of emptiness and owe 
Only to return by the will of grace

The darkness brings experiences I will not speak  
Let the wisdom be felt 
In the gentle shift in my eyes 
In my open voice and sturdy settled shoulders
I am your brother who has returned
I bring warmth and a stirring sense of an age old journey 

In a single nod of recognition
Eye to eye 
Arriving at the ripest of moments 
Is the haunting darkness 
I know, you know – sits tentatively in the pit of your stomach

I love you brother, I love you sister 
My heart can barely handle
the love I have for your courage 
And pure sincerity 
As you silently disappear 
into the dark night alone
To discover

Your light beyond the familiar