i tried to describe the magical experience of meeting with friends to share the longest night of the year -- with none of the modern amenities -- just the way it was done a thousand years ago.
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Story behind the song
a friend invited me to go with her to a "winter solstice" party -- the venue was a traditional native american structure out in the country. no electricity, no running water, fresh bread baked in a double-55-gallon-barrel stove. it was an amazing experience, only hinted at in the lyrics. if you haven't done this, try it. our night was a bitterly cold one in central minnesota and i suspect there wasn't a cozier place in the state.
Lyrics
Winter Soulstice -- Jim Dyer
It was near the middle of the night, on the shortest day of the year.
They were all huddled in their houses trying to beat back their fear
that the dark time would grow and the light time would fade away.
And before all was lost, someone was heard to say,
Maybe if we stayed up all night
and wrestled with the enemies of light,
things will be all right.
So they gathered all their friends and they closed the circle tight.
And though the wind did howl around them, they shared their mutual plight.
They'd brought their summer's bounty and, with open hearts and hands,
offered each unto the other while they, as one, did stand. Maybe...
Well, the bread was passed around and the wine did freely flow.
And some spirits there were not liquid and those who quaffed did know
that Nature was the master -- we survive only at it's whim.
We can only plan the best we can so our odds will not be grim. Maybe...
The candle light did flicker -- it's energy almost spent.
As wax, through gas, did pass to flame, a shaft of light through dark, it sent.
The walls displayed their shadows. They were dancing -- black on white.
High up near the ceiling where their spirits soared in flight. Maybe...
Rhyming words did pass among them, and stories they'd relate.
In hushed and human tones they made the dark, the night, the cold abate.
And eye cast unto eye as the morning glow did break
and relief did wrinkle into smiles that left the crises in it's wake. Maybe...
