December 12: Awaken the Dark, A Poem

Awaken the dark and revive our wintery footsteps.

The rhythmic evening freshness settles on the harbour wall.

This goose thinks she’s a swan

Wreathed by graceful spirits 

reflecting on the ripples of moments ago

Amid the lights, I find it hard to refuse myself this rainbow landscape.

Layered but losing 10% of my body heat from my head

I pause to remember 

my hat, at home, on the side.

These buoyant homes are afloat with covid rules and seasonal joy.

Yet

They 

Shine

This background joyful hubbub

is computer generated like the crowds at the rugby

cheering our bears on from strength to strength.

It is warmer watching the games from home but I miss the cidery choral intonations

Smiles continue to be found, mulled and spicy with a friend

here the warmth is graciously received.

This year less political lights have come out to play

But political lights, have come out,

demonstrating a greater space for intuitive shimmering  

Have you danced wrapped in fairy lights yet? 

Communities are lighting their way Together 

we move gently and bravely towards a stronger sense of home.

Where we all belong

Rapid rolling joggers skud skud skud

and flitter past as we merrily go round

To witness the halls of our hearts bedecked and bedazzled.

This goose feels like a swan.

Oral stories have shifted to a sustained hum, like a resonant organ in me

Filling these thoughts, from top to toe.

Buzzing into the new year with the clarity of honey, 

No longer cloudy.

I am witness to the downfalls of our past and humbled by the boldness of our future

We Lift up all that this year has taken from us

Give thanks for that which we have learnt

Keep safe all that we have been granted

And let go of the pain

winged and rewilding

She shall be both goose and swan.

Charlie Rawson

12 Dec 2020