CHRISTMAS 2005

I am alone in this dark place;

this winter solstice of the soul

where once I came as a child,

innocent and accepting,

ready to save the world.

 

Now it enwombs me

in the cold winter of my self-doubt.

 

There are no colored lights here,

no yuletide greetings or painted ornaments,

no star to lead the way,

no manger for rebirth,

and no Mother Mary,

only the dark night of this Northwest Island retreat

and the empty wilderness

of my soul.

 

There is no room at the Inn for me tonight,

no shelter from this cold.

© p. donovan