Richie on nest Dec. 18, 2020 cap by PP We humans create holidays in our cultural world. The animals know the Earth's seasons. Migratory birds follow the seasons and act accordingly. Around Winter Solstice, Richie begins visiting the nest more often, laying claim to it. He knows that the days are getting longer and that means Rosie will return in due time. The year's rhythm is built into his system. So too must other bird, butterflies, dragonflies and all migrators tune into the seasonal rhythm to know when it is time to migrate. Christmas is for humans but Solstice is for animals attuned to the Earth. Happy Solstice to Everyone, especially the Ospreys who will be returning to the Bay Area in just a few months.
Solstice 2020
The days wane cold and dark upon the shore
Of our beloved Bay where ospreys fly.
I watch the sun part slowly from the sky
And wonder what the new year has in store.
Will this, the longest darkest night dawn bright,
Bring freedom from disease, from war and strife?
Will it set us on a new path of life?
Will this, the coming year dawn dark or light?
Just as the endless turning of our Earth
From day to night, to dark to light again,
From storm to calm, from drought to welcome rain,
An endless cycle of death and rebirth,
May our health be restored, our worries stilled
May we return to peace and to goodwill
MW 2020
The days wane cold and dark upon the shore
Of our beloved Bay where ospreys fly.
I watch the sun part slowly from the sky
And wonder what the new year has in store.
Will this, the longest darkest night dawn bright,
Bring freedom from disease, from war and strife?
Will it set us on a new path of life?
Will this, the coming year dawn dark or light?
Just as the endless turning of our Earth
From day to night, to dark to light again,
From storm to calm, from drought to welcome rain,
An endless cycle of death and rebirth,
May our health be restored, our worries stilled
May we return to peace and to goodwill
MW 2020