The Sun returned two days ago, but not for me. For some reason I missed a day, and thus the return of the Sun to Arctic Bay. Yesterday, the sky was completely overcast, and again I didn't see it. So today marks the official return of the Sun to Clare. It goes by quickly, the dark season, but this year it didn't seem quite quick enough. So it was somewhat more satisfying to see that glowing orb in the sky today.
What To Do the First Morning the Sun Comes Back
by Roseann Lloyd
Find a clean cloth for the kitchen table, the red and blue one
you made that cold winter in Montana. Spread out
your paper and books. Tune the radio to the jazz station.
Look at the bright orange safflowers you found last August—
how well they've held their color next to the black-spotted cat.
Make some egg coffee, in honor of all the people
above the Arctic Circle. Give thanks to the Sufis,
who figured out how to brew coffee
from the dark, bitter beans. Remark
on the joyfulness of your dishes: black and yellow stars.
Reminisce with your lover about the history of this kitchen
where, between bites of cashew stir fry,
you first kissed each other on the mouth. Now that you're hungry,
toast some leftover cornbread, spread it with real butter,
honey from bees that fed on basswood blossoms.
The window is frosted over, but the sun's casting an eye
over all the books. Open your Spanish book.
The season for sleeping is over.
The pots and pans: quiet now, let them be.
It will be a short day.
Sit in the kitchen as long as you can, reading and writing.
At sundown, rub a smidgen of butter
on the western windowsill
to ask the sun:
Come back again tomorrow.
Comments
7 responses
Isn’t it lovely to see the sun again? I live south of the Arctic Circle, so the darkness of winter isn’t as total here. I have however experienced that – and I know wonderful it is when the light returns!
You live in a blessed part of this world!
That’s a spectacular picture and I love your poem, Clare. What a great way to celebrate the sun!
what wonderful verse………..egg coffee and that cold winter in Montana. Very lovely. Thank you.
My Mom used to say that some folks think the sun rises and sets just for them.
:o)
Offt:
I’ve just received this strip and remembered about your post “Just desserts” right away..
http://www.explosm.net/comics/1554/
That sunlight is so beautiful, I can only imagine how it feels after months of darkness. The accompanying poem captures the sensual joy of such a moment.
It is lovely to see it again. I’m always amazed at how quickly the light grows allmycke.
Thanks Liza, there are always gems to be found on the Writer’s Almanac.
You’re quite welcome Indigo.
And I am one of those people M&M
Thanks for the cartoon Alexandra.
Thanks Robin Andrea, the poem is full of sensual delights.