Poetry Friday

No politics this week. In fact something a little tamer. With Christmas only a week away I thought I would do something seasonal. I looked for something to do with the solstice. That is my favorite part of this holiday. I traditionally celebrate the solstice because I know that after it comes the lengthening days. Similarly I become depressed at the summer solstice, knowing that they sunlight will never be longer than it is now. And each year this repeats.

But I haven't found any Solstice poems that I like and I love the simple cadence and sweetness of Robert Louis Stevenson's poetry. Yes this is the same Robert Louis Stevenson who wrote Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyl and Mr Hyde. But no menace or dasterdy pirates here. Just sweetness. Enjoy!


Winter-Time
by Robert Louis Stevenson

Late lies the wintry sun a-bed,
A frosty, fiery sleepy-head;
Blinks but an hour or two; and then,
A blood-red orange, sets again.

Before the stars have left the skies,
At morning in the dark I rise;
And shivering in my nakedness,
By the cold candle, bathe and dress.

Close by the jolly fire I sit
To warm my frozen bones a bit;
Or with a reindeer-sled, explore
The colder countries round the door.

When to go out, my nurse doth wrap
Me in my comforter and cap;
The cold wind burns my face, and blows
Its frosty pepper up my nose.

Black are my steps on silver sod;
Thick blows my frosty breath abroad;
And tree and house, and hill and lake,
Are frosted like a wedding-cake.