December Night

Light in the darkest nights of the year has been sought, and once found, provided a source of comfort for as long as there has been folks, dark, light, and a sky.

Some sources of light are regarded as divine: a star, the harbinger of a Saviour, lamps with only enough oil for a day, yet burn brightly for over a week, a point of light that persists in the darkness when one’s body loses tension, breathing calms, and eyes close.

Even light whose source is known to be mundane provokes wonder and joy. Tonight look to the moonless sky between 10pm and 3am and enjoy what should be a wonderful display by the Geminid meteor shower. Glance over toward Elk Mountain, and watch plumes of snow, illuminated as they blow over the trees and settle bright sparkles of flakes on the slopes. Slopes that some of us, wearing a face filled with wind and pleasure, will be sliding down very, very soon…