Light

On shortest day in frosty vale
shadows fell long and grey
upon the grass, the sleeping pine
as winter's rugged beard

Bare lay the jagged walls of cots
through which the winds played tag
spare moss grew on the mantelpiece
breathing the smell of ruin

Snow drifted from an ashen sky
a crystal dust of stars
upon the frozen summer dream
dormant in solid flow

Yet - lo! behold! From mountain's height
a light came soft and bright
downward upon this dismal earth
shattering dark and dread

A maiden fair, star-strewn her hair
wielding a glist'ning gem
the flame of West, the Silmaril
as beam from hallowed land

White dragon fled, the dark despaired
the vale found joy of spring
in violet's song, in swaying grass
in glow of friendship's sun.


(for Yelena)