Happy Solstice

Godfried Schalcken

He came walking across the sand

carrying a paper torch

in the early dawn,

sleepy little boy

with his smiling mom,

who is no longer

in this world.

We walked a labyrinth

drawn in sand,

between opposing tides.

As the waves met,

covering our feet,

laughing,

we outraced

the sea.

It was Solstice,

and the world and I

were young.

Life was unfolding

on a golden beach,

and every beautiful,

longed-for thing

was there,

within my reach.

And now 

I am back at the shore,

no longer young.

And at last my longings

and my home

are one.

Happy Solstice!

*for Gael and Clay