We in the midwest—as well as other parts of the country—have weathered a pretty brutal winter this year. Consequently, many of us are affected by the lack of sun during these hard months. Hence, when I happened upon this sonnet by the venerable Malcolm Guite, I just knew that I had to share it this Sunday.

                    Because We Hunkered Down

These bleak and freezing seasons may mean grace

When they are memory. In time to come

When we speak truth, then they will have their place,

Telling the story of our journey home,

Through dark December and stark January

With all its disappointments, through the murk

And dreariness of frozen February,

When even breathing seemed unwelcome work.

 

Because through all of these we held together,

Because we shunned the impulse to let go,

Because we hunkered down through our dark weather,

And trusted to the soil beneath the snow,

Slowly, slowly, turning a cold key,

Spring will unlock our hearts and set us free.