About a week ago, those of us in the northern hemisphere experienced the shortest-day solstice. Because of the convergence of the solstice, a 40^th anniversary, and the new year, I took the unusual step (for me) of writing a poem. The poetry maven in our home pronounced it “good” which, for me, is not unlike winning a Pulitzer Prize.

I am of the age where nearly everything anyone says or writes prompts a story. Words trigger words. So many choices. Should I wander into a story about the solstice, 40 amazing years with Rita, or the words “Pulitzer Prize?”

To be a word conservationist—like all good poets—suffice it to say that when I was teaching at the University of Portland, a faculty person told the story of one of his students writing a whole essay describing a prestigious award called, “The Pullet Surprise.”

All this brings me back to the poem I wrote about the solstice for Rita and our 40^th anniversary. No doubt, after publishing this poem on my blog for New Year’s Eve, I will be a finalist for the prestigious Pullet Surprise.

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On This Day

On this day

Our collective orbit

Has reached its edge

This is the great turning

Back

The pendulum has swung

We pause

Earth lingering, stock being taken

Where we have been

Where we are

Where we will be

Let us make lists, at this turning

Have we been kind?

Have we been generous?

Have we let others live freely?

Have we let outrage and judgment claim us?

Perhaps we should murder the long festering log in our eyes, rather than people in boats?

Now

We shall begin                                                               

Again

Our collective slow turning

Toward the light

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Peace to you and yours for 2026. I wish you all an excellent New Year’s Evening. May we all turn toward the light.