Winter Dawn

This was Fio's Christmas sonnet in 2010.  She wrote it from notes she took over a one-hour period as the sun was coming up.  Every word of it is true.

The naked trees define themselves anew

As separate from the slowly lightening sky,

And dark clouds fade to gray and then to blue

While one lone brilliant star hangs heaven high.

The sky turns bright, yet deathly cold and chill,

But in the winter forest far below,

A single branch moves slightly, then is still--

As morning’s warming blush begins to glow.

Suddenly through the band of winter trees

A spark, a glint of gold, a burning fire,

Reflects its yellow on the oaks’ live leaves,

Escapes the woods’ confines, ascending higher.

      The sun has risen. Welcome, joyous morn,                 

      For night is dead and Christmas Day is born.