Winter’s lessons of Renewal 

Renewal comes to us when we root ourselves in place, naked like the maples, and with relief, feel the Earth accept us as we are. 

Renewal comes to us as the fierce winds whipping the tears out of us and riding off with them, leaving us raw and ready to begin again. 

Renewal comes to us when we lay our burdens down by the fireside, releasing them to the flames, and accept the warmth into our hearts and bones. 

Renewal comes to us when, childlike, we lift up our heads and arms into the sky to catch snowflakes on our tongues and taste joy. 

Renewal comes to us when we stand centered in our bodies and our beings and accept the embrace we have longed for and are finally ready for, feeling the love radiate inwardly and outwardly, rippling through the world.

Copyright 2021, Arianna Alexsandra Collins

Arianna Alexsandra Collins, naturalist, poet, writer, wild edible enthusiast, and Wiccan High Priestess lives in Ashfield, MA.

This poem appeared in the December 8, 2021 weekly e-newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Ashfield, UCC.

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