advent

winter's gray illuminates
all that is fallen;
snow's silence stills
the heart's striving;
the north wind's breath chills
all that is broken;
the lingering rain permeates
the soul's grieving.

laughter
gives way to mourning
praise
replaced by lament

white cries
save!
darkness groans
sanctify!
and this cobalt sphere wails
deliver!

lenten bread
hardened by age
and arrogance
swallowed
whole,
a life's rue;
taken
soberly,
consecrated,
unveils
luminary
hope.