December Dark

by Christine Monte Doherty

December Dark  by Christine Monte Doherty 
 
Take solace in the gentle
rhythms of ritual, in
ceremonies of the ordinary.
Brew tea, fold clothes, knead bread,
walk to the mailbox.
There is much to savor
in slowness, when quality
of attention allows noticing
each detail-
wisps of stream rising
soft folds in well-worn shirts
hands and dough working together
snow crunching underfoot in moonlight.
Celebrate this walk
through dark days,
this chance
to do it differently,
to revel in slowness
while light waits its turn.