May this dark winter

open wide your eyes to see

the small good things, like holding hands

the slow moving, deep things, like the dormant roots of trees

the fast, light things, like the shallow tracks of rabbits in the soft snow.

May you grow in peace in your wintering,

gather strength from the vast solitude

sharpen your vision for injustice and gratitude

practice your voice in profound silence

and draw down the heavens to your wintering place.

They are waiting for you to open your heart.

CH 2021