This is my last post for a few weeks as I sign off for the holidays. I wish you all a happy holiday season filled with peace, love, and good health. May we have a new year full of kindness and hope. ❤

This poem is in response to the image Colleen Chesebro provided for her #Tanka Tuesday Challenge. The poem is a garland cinquain.

Bow Down

Bow down

to winter’s wheel

when sacred smoke ascends

blends in the hushed whiteness of breath

spirit

sleepless

gather our dreams

life’s unspoken secrets

tales of longing words of solace

unseen

our eyes

cannot behold

the warp and weft of love

nor peace and bliss, a swallow’s song

a chant

our hands

cannot unwrap

whispers of forgiveness

a prayer in a child’s heart

a hope

in grace

we surrender

to winter’s darkest night

the gifts of the invisible

renewed

bow down

gather our dreams

the weft and weave of love

a prayer in a child’s heart

renewed.