Seeking the Clearing

I am a winter light seeker
I look to where it hides
between the clouds and just above the boughs
I sense it in the air as I walk out on my front step
a brisk kiss that calls me to awake

And so, I start off
searching swirls of snow on an ice-capped pond
Gleaning barren branches for just a glimpse
of what I know is there

I ask the wind, "Tell me, what do you hear of the sun?"
Only her hollow hymn resounds
I remember
winters upon winters seeking that same sun
lying dormant on the open prairie of my youth

All is grey
lacking in sharpness and crisp certainty
and yet, there is a a clearing
my seeking soul is sure
and when the clouds part, there will be
wisdom to discern and clarity to see
It is there my will to trod uncertain trails will be restored

And so, I'll continue my wanderings and take small delight
in stumbling upon deer beds on the floodplain forest
imagining caribou of old grazing just beyond my sight
I'll squat low to the ground so as not to miss the tiny elf's home
I'll help my children make ornaments of milkweed-bearded Santas
Together we'll play I Spy for black-capped chickadees
and squirrels scurrying back to their store
We'll hush and listen for the beauty within
and beyond our walls
Carols and prayers this advent season
believing the brightest light is yet to come