Winter’s Cloak

Poem shared at the opening of December 8th’s Second Sunday Sit  – Winter’s Cloak by Joyce Rupp. (Rupp is a writer as well as Co-Director of the Institute of Compassionate Presence.)

Winter’s Cloak by Joyce Rupp

This year I do not want
the dark to leave me.
I need its wrap
of silent stillness,
its cloak
of long lasting embrace.
Too much light
has pulled me away
from the chamber
of gestation.

Let the dawns
come late,
let the sunsets
arrive early,
let the evenings
extend themselves
while I lean into
the abyss of my being.

Let me lie in the cave
of my soul,
for too much light
blinds me,
steals the source
of revelation.

Let me seek solace
in the empty places
of winter’s passage,
those vast dark nights
that never fail to shelter me.

For a winter-inspired practice you can do on your own head here. For more seasonal offerings visit classes. A poem and meditation inspired by the Winter Solstice can be found here, you may also enjoy A Solstice Blessing.