Happy Winter Solstice! As the days shorten here in the northern hemisphere, I’ve been reading poems about the dark. It turns out that this a popular topic among our poet friends. Emily Dickinson claims “we grow accustomed to the dark when light is put away,” and Rilke declares that he loves darkness “more than all the fires that fence in the world.” While there are many beautiful poems on this topic, one of my favorites is “Sweet Darkness” by David Whyte.
Sweet Darkness
When your eyes are tired
the world is tired also.
When your vision has gone,
no part of the world can find you.
Time to go into the dark
where the night has eyes
to recognize its own.
There you can be sure
you are not beyond love.
The dark will be your womb
tonight.
The night will give you a horizon
further than you can see.
You must learn one thing.
The world was made to be free in.
Give up all the other worlds
except the one to which you belong.
Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet
confinement of your aloneness
to learn
anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive
is too small for you.
David Whyte
Have a minute? Listen to Davide Whyte read “Sweet Darkness”:
Which lines resonate with you?
- When your eyes are tired the world is tired also. When you’re wearing dark-colored glasses, you tend to see the world as dark. What helps you see again when your eyes are tired?
- Give up all the other worlds except the ones to which you belong. These are powerful words. What are some of the worlds to which you belong? Which worlds no longer bring you alive?
What’s your relationship with the dark? I find the dark comforting, and I look forward to the dark of December each year as a time to recharge. The world feels smaller, and the darkness means fewer distractions.
Sources:
“Sweet Darkness” by David Whyte from The House of Belonging, 1997. Copyrighted material used for educational purposes.
Photo: Sweet Darkness by Yoga Sidsel
Partners in Rhyme 
What a powerful poem. But I have to admit I am not a huge fan of the dark or of the winter solstice time of year, despite having been born on 12/20! Greg (GC) is the exact opposite—and I (GP) wrote this little poem of one of our typical conversations this time of year:
“A Winter Solstice Conversation”
GC: I so love this time of year!
GP: I think that’s queer.
GC: The short days and long nights! What a delight!
GP: I think it’s very dreary and kind of eerie.
GC: I love feeling the warmth from the fireplace on my face!
GP: My hands and feet are like ice. It’s not nice.
GC: I can breathe clearly in this chilly air and then enjoy our cozy lair!
GP: It’s too cold and I’m getting old.
GC: I feel at peace and free. There’s no place I’d rather be!
GP: It would be a joy to go to St. Croix.
GC: It’s my favorite season of all — well, both winter fall!
GP: What could be dumber. Everyone knows it’s better in spring and summer.
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lol. Love this, Gary! I hear what you’re saying about winter, and you are certainly not alone in your thinking, but I totally relate to everything GC is saying here! I do agree with you about going to St. Croix – a joy indeed! In our dreams.. xo
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What a lovely thought provoking poem ….. it hardly got light here today in Yorkshire …. very fitting to mark the winter solstice. This poem wrapped itself around me – thank you Patti x
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Glad you enjoyed, Paula! Been thinking of you all as the UK is in the news so often this week. Take good care, and love to al! xo
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I like the dark because it means it’s almost bedtime after a long and exhausting day, which I seem to have too many of! oxxo
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For sure! I hope the new year has a slower pace for you. xo
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A nice reminder to me that everyone needs dark and quiet times to step away from life’s craziness and reflect. Enjoyed this poem very much.
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Glad you enjoyed the poem, Joanne! Thanks for your sharing your thoughts. xo
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