Monday Morning Musings:
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
—Mary Oliver, “When I am Among the Trees”
And now—the winter darkness comes,
the sun a sleepy golden cat, who rises on arthritic limbs
to sight the birds on leafless boughs
and make the holly berries gleam,
before he settles back to nap
in grey blankets glimmered-glowed.
And now—we see the nests above,
the treasures hidden by summer’s green,
and birds chitter-chat, and squirrels flitter past
gathering nuts for their cold repast,
while vultures soar, then bide their time
in silent committees in meetings of time
that flows like the river, light to darkness
to light again,
we touch match to candles, watch them burn–
the miracle is, we’ve endured,
we drink and eat and love, let out a sigh, a cry–
the shadows gather—
but so does the light. Bird-chased,
we follow after. There, the trees in cinnamon gowns,
and the glitter of snow on evergreen—there, a flame
brightens, while the sleepy cat says goodnight—
knowing he will wake to love,
while in the darkness we toast, “to life!”
Last night was the last night of Hanukkah. We bought another wine tasting kit, and we tasted a white (German Riesling) and a red (Australian Pinot Noir) while watching the candles burn.
The winter solstice approaches, and there is a lot of darkness in the world–and it’s growing. Don’t let it. Don’t let the anti-democratic forces or the anti-science crazies win. Shine the light wherever you can.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
This is a lovely celebration of family and season. Yes we must keep those candles fiercely burning. (K)
Glorious photography; glittering verse; the sun as a sleepy cat = a wonderful post
I love this metaphor, particuarly “rises on arthritic limbs”!
And now—the winter darkness comes,
the sun a sleepy golden cat, who rises on arthritic limbs
to sight the birds on leafless boughs
and make the holly berries gleam,
before he settles back to nap
in grey blankets glimmered-glowed.
Wonderful poem and amazing pictures. We all need to let our candles shine and live beyond fear. Thank you for sharing.
Stunning verse & mind-blowing photos. Thanks, Merril
I loved being an insider at your family celebrations, Merril. You need to fill those big wine glasses up a little more…LOL! 🙂 The musings are wonderful today and the photographs are gorgeous. I love the shots of you and Doug…so cute!
Thank you very much, Jill!💙
And you’re so funny. 😀
Oh Merril, this is so beautiful! “The sun a sleepy cat…”, your poetry is divinely evocative and filled with soft and lovely imagery.
The photos are wonderful.
Thank you so very much, Rene!💙💙
All those candles on the last day of Hanukkah speak life that keeps darkness at bay. Beaitiful pictures of celebration and the poetry, dazzling as always, Merril. Loved the imagery here: “the trees in cinnamon gowns” – beautiful.
Pax,
Dora
Thank you so much, Dora, for your lovely comment. Yes, the Hanukkah candles certainly do speak to keeping away the darkness.
I will keep a candle burning, Merril! 🕯 I love your extended metaphor for the sun: ‘ a sleepy golden cat’ 🐈😊
Thank you very much, Ingrid.
We’re going to have to light other candles tonight. 🕯🐈
Your images made me smile. They are beautiful, just like your words. Keep shining, Merril. 🙂
Aww–thank you, Robin. I will try.💫
I was about to comment on the sun as a sleepy cat but Holly beat me to it. This is just so lovely and lyrical and thank you for allowing us into your family’s celebrations.
Your photos are filled with love!
Thank you much for your very kind comments, Dale! 💙
My pleasure to read you! 🧡
Blue and silver is a nice counterpoint to the green and red we see in December. Thank you too for the pink and orange sky. Lyrical loveliness!
Thank you very much, Marian!
sigh .. no words – just lovely – nature in her glory , family life intertwined – the candles for Hanukkah – may its flame glow eternally to give us light when there is darkness …
Thank you so much, Susan, for your lovely comment. 💙
You certainly are shining the light here, Merril.
I adore your nature photos, and even more your family celebration of Hanukkah.
Of course you threw the cat in at the end. They are such scene thieves!
Thank you, Resa. I appreciate your kind words, and it is so good to see and be with some people again.
If you’re that cute, of course you steal the scene! 😀
Yes, we saw our family of 3 others at Canadian Thanksgiving. All are vaccinated. We will meet on Christmas eve, again. So happy! xo
I know…cats are quite alluring!
Great news! And they are!
Beautiful poem and absolutely wonderful photographs!!!
Thank you for your enthusiasm!