The long night settles like a velvet cloak
Quiet stars whisper to the sleeping earth
The frost paints silver on every rooftop
And the moon glows with tender rebirth
Our breath becomes prayer in the crystal air
Soft clouds drifting from our waiting lips
Old stories rise where the shadows gather
And time slows to the beat of winter’s heart
In the hush we feel a stirring of hope
A shy promise beneath the frozen field
The dark holds the seed of light within it
Bright treasure hidden but soon revealed
So we lift our gaze to the patient heavens
And welcome the dawn that follows the night
For even the coldest hour of winter
Holds the first warm note of returning light
JH




