Tree in bloom on Telegraph Ave, Berkeley CA December 2025
| Solstice 2025 The school was in disarray. The children could not play Without fighting every day. "You can't play here, you see, You are different from me." Parents told their children, "No, Don't play with those kids. Go Play with others like you. You must do as we do." "No, you can't go play With those neighbors today. To a different god they pray." Walking down the street, Neighbors would each other greet "Can't you see how wrong you are? We follow a different star." "Can we come visit you, For a quick howdy-doo?" "No, see the signs on your lawn? Clearly, lines have been drawn." Now when they met on the street, No longer would they greet Or let their kids together play. So it went day after day. Until a few grew forlorn. The neighborhood was torn. Some met to talk and try To figure out how and why They could mend the split fence, Get along despite difference. "Let's celebrate Christmas Day," A neighbor said one day. "We don't recognize that date." "Well then, let's just celebrate Them all, that would be great. Every holiday Done in its own way." But as they made a list, It grew and grew and grew And just ended in a stew. Some used a different year And were nowhere near. What they could find So they could be of one mind? | "I know!" said a boy who loved The stars and all above. "We are one people on Earth, The sun brings all our worth. Let us celebrate its might That brings us heat, joy, and light So we don't live in dark night. In December, a rebirth- At least on this side of Earth- The sun shines longer each day And warms us with its ray. Each year, we can celebrate This December date, The shortest day of the year, And welcome the new Longer days that grow near. We can celebrate in food, drink, and song As one harmonious throng. We can sing the sun down Then roam about the town, Singing of warmth and light On our darkest, longest night, Any way each one may choose, Songs or props we want to use, Knowing that what will come to be Is the stronger light we all see. Maybe then, we will know That it has always been so, And we have no cause to fight, From each other steal the light. We are children of the same sun On Earth, we humans are all one." The people shouted "Hurray! Young man, you have found the way! Go home tonight, to the others say: Just wait for the shortest day! When we will sing, dance and play, Urge the sun to shine and stay A bit longer every day. As a thank you to the sun That shines for everyone, We will get along, not fight, And try to do what is right. " So may we, humans that we be, Celebrate the new light we see On this and every Solstice Day, As long as the sun shines our way. MW2025 |
Wishing all a Happy Solstice spent with loved ones, in peace, understanding and gratitude!