Poetry Vault: How Clever, How Clear the Stars

A Solstice Poem for You

​By Zach Hively
Images Courtesy of Zach Hively

I saw a meme recently that suggested, more or less, wishing folks a gentle holiday instead of a happy holiday. The idea being, the holidays aren’t happy for everyone, but we can wish each other ease no matter what or how we’re celebrating (or not).

Maybe this is why I like the winter solstice so much. No matter who we are or what’s going on, the light is lengthening once again.

So, for this winter solstice season, here’s a poem for you.

How Clever, How Clear the Stars
 
Today, of all days,
let your day exist
unmeasured
—not by hours, not
by accomplishments.
Not even by how much
daylight you claim.
 
Me? I think I'll weigh today
the same way my dog
weighs sticks for throwing
—ice groans across
the little creek, turns
the other puppy's head
on its side. I think
 
I'll weigh today by how
the coffee mug warms
my paws, by how clever
—how clear the stars
will wink, if the clouds
stay home. I think,
for this one day, I can
 
do away with counting steps.
The life cycle of our own
star will end the number
—of solstices, uncounted,
but not the measure
of all the things that
matter, still matter.