Celebration

Jupiter and Saturn

In conjunction

The Christmas star

falls in the west.

The Solstice shrinks

From crossing the bar

Of a demonic year.

Two points in the sky

Become a brighter whole

We look for a presage

In the dark.

Hark the herald

Hear the message

Shed a tear.

Daughters and sons

told to stay away.

The news is bleak

We don’t expect

The buses to run

Church bells to speak

Or Santa to appear.

But the festive lights glitter

The home fire is set

And the candles are lit.

Though partygoers are fewer

And the streets empty

Our inner voices permit

Celebration here.