Winter Solstice Sonnet 2023

Posted on 2023-12-21 by Bartholomew Barker

I met a golden retriever on my walk.
He couldn’t articulate it but he knew.
I could tell by his wag and fluffed up fur,
it’s the shortest day of the year.

The chickadees know it. Their frantic upending
of every leaf for some small seed or grub.
The oaks know it as much as they know anything,
clinging to the side of a tilted world.

I only know it because of calendars and almanacs.
I don’t wake up covered in frost like the grass.
My rented rooms maintain a constant temperature
without regard to which Solstice is outside my window.

So let’s go natural tonight — set something on fire
to celebrate. We’re halfway through the dark.

The December Solstice occurs in three hours, 10:28pm EST, that’s 03:28 UT.

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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26 Responses to Winter Solstice Sonnet 2023

  1. Cheryl Batavia's avatar Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet says:
    2023-12-21 at 19:32

    Enjoyed the sonnet, Bart. I am looking forward to longer hours of daylight! Happy Holidays!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Pingback: Winter Solstice Sonnet 2023 – ryetursblog's Blog

  4. Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris's avatar Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris says:
    2023-12-21 at 19:59

    This Summer girl is more than ready for longer days and warmer weather!! Very nice Bartholomew! 🏝️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. berniebell1955's avatar berniebell1955 says:
    2023-12-22 at 04:48

    HAPPY SUN RETURN!

    I believe that humans sense it too – those who still use their senses.

    Here’s my little ditty…

    http://www.spanglefish.com/berniesblog/blog.asp?blogid=16621

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. JeanMarie's avatar JeanMarie says:
    2023-12-22 at 08:31

    Hand me the matches! :)

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. luisa zambrotta's avatar luisa zambrotta says:
    2023-12-22 at 08:35

    Such a wonderful sonnet!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Cindy Georgakas's avatar Cindy Georgakas says:
    2023-12-22 at 11:36

    this is such a fun sonnet Bart. Let’s go natural. I always know it’s xmas in July! 😂😎can’t wait already❣️

    Liked by 2 people

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  9. Nicole Smith's avatar Nicole Smith says:
    2023-12-23 at 18:47

    We are halfway through the dark is brilliant. Love it.

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. luvgoodcarp's avatar luvgoodcarp says:
    2023-12-31 at 08:57

    And now we’ll be on the half of more light, I hope. Nice work, Bart

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. klekie's avatar Kate says:
    2024-01-02 at 23:23

    Trust a dog to know.

    Liked by 1 person

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