a quilt over these mountains
covering everything while they sleep
so deeply
tree and flowers and animals
resting their tired bodies
and weary heads
i'll rest too
for a while
my body is tired
my head is weary
i am not so different from these beasts
we have struggled this year
to protect ourselves
to provide
to grow and change in preparation for
our futures
these few weeks we're given
at the close of every year
to renew ourselves are a precious gift
appropriately timed
a gift from a father who is very far
and yet very close
all at once
rest now
with me
prepare for the changes ahead
the growing pains we will feel
the twists and turns in our hearts
and the ways our souls will stretch
to accommodate the new encounters
and new love
we face
this is the time for rest
and quiet growth
reflection and love
as we come together with friends and family
while the world is white
and the mountains are silent
all flora and fauna preparing for
the renewal of spring