Celebrating the longest day of the year on June 20, 21 or 22; a poem and a prompt for Summer Solstice/Litha.
Summer Solstice
bare feet on grass
rolling
down
hills
shimmering heat waves
orange creamsicles
timeless childhood playtime
look up
thunderheads
build
in the
heat
take cover
summer rain
on pavement almost sizzles
‘petrichor’ is the word for that
unique smell
(you know what I mean)then
the vapor
as bright sunlight heats residual moisture
evaporating
back
to
marbles
hopscotch
skippinglight lengthens impossibly into late evening
collapse into bed smelling like summer
Terry Folks (2024)
This year Summer Solstice/Litha is at 1:50 pm on Thursday, June 20th in our part of the world ~ Vancouver Island. The longest day (most hours of sunlight) and the shortest night of the year in our part of the world, Summer Solstice marks the beginning of summer even though the days will now get progressively shorter as we head toward Winter Solstice on December 21st. We honour our connection to the sun, and how She dictates our seasons. For example, at Litha, the north pole is at its greatest tilt toward the sun, so the sun’s rays touch our Mother Earth most directly.
Once again, I ask you “What Brings You Light?”
Think about what lightens your days. It may be a particular person, or pet. It may be a view you enjoy daily, or the sound of children’s laughter. Perhaps it is a song, a piece of art, a special plant in your garden. Maybe a fond memory you find yourself returning to brings you Light.
Remember, embodied spirituality means we don’t just say we believe something, we actually use our bodies to practice our spiritual evolution.
One way to do this is to gather in virtual community to share what brings you light. You will definitely inspire others!
If you wish, you can share on our Facebook page!
In light,
Terry
