A Poem of Celebration and Reflection

This poem is dedicated to Dr. John M. Ramsay, whose life’s work has inspired many and continues to do so.

Winter Solstice and Yule Log Embers — a Reverie

The year’s fire has burned itself down, the yule log’s

bright, elusive vigorous flames now

small tongues above a

glowing carpet of red, orange, and black, which some ignore like a dirty rug.

Those who ignore the embers only wish for the leaping

display of the flames. They neither value nor discern the

energy and power of those glowing remnants.

Dark and Light hold equal worth.

Embers remain, the heartiest parts not yet reduced to ash. Radiant

clumps hold the promise of new

fires, revitalized energies — if nurtured with fresh

kindling and the breath of

wisdom.

Be kind to Self, you Embers, for your darker radiance speaks of

fires empowered by you and

fires yet to jump from you. Your even

heat creates a bed of softer

light — promises lived and yet to be known. I see in

you the richness of relationships, careers, laughter, fun, disappointments, and

challenges, all to be discerned by any who know the

seasons and energies of life and the rich interdependence they reveal.