Almost Solstice

Almost Solstice

Lord, I need to find something to praise, to
have happiness catch the toe of my clog but
not trip me. I need it to make me gasp, but

not loudly enough for my husband to hear.
I need to steady my own step from its shock.
I've gotten too old to fall down. Where did

all the leaves go? Why is daylight so precise?
I need to stand outside and translate its fire
in the creek into something I could hand to

someone, a gift, a wonder that lasts and lasts.
The sun is white gold, lower than yesterday,
and joy is the nail that holds it in the sky. But

nothing keeps light from receding daily. I'm
looking for the coming darkness, the long cold
ride of it, the trick starts the miracle on its way.