For those who celebrate, the third Sunday of Advent is a call to joy. This year Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin gaudeo, “I rejoice”) fell on December 14th. The winter solstice– our longest night– followed a week later. But around the world, joy feels distant, even non-existent.
Thankfully, Parker J. Palmer’s substack post landed in my inbox to both acknowledge the midwinter bleakness but also remind me that hope is worth holding on to.
My poem was inspired by the hymn he shared “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Christina Rossetti and sung here by James Taylor.
winter solstice
the landscape assembles
in stunned silence
barren branches ladened,
shepherding lifeblood
to safety– heartwood steeled,
vowing to hold its ground,
knowing not
but that hope returns
photos and poem ©2025 Patricia J. Franz
It is never a guarantee, but very often by now, Lake Tahoe is blanketed in powdery white. Instead, we’ve been dodging raindrops and staring out at sad, barren birches and blustery boughs.
BREAKING NEWS…
I wrote this post 3 days ago. This morning… rain has become snow! In the bleak midwinter, we are blessed with heat, music, and the comfort of conversation.
We will see the New Year in with gathered family.
May we be shepherds of hope in 2026.
It’s the last PoetryFriday of 2025!
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Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
What lovely images and I’m so glad you have snow. It’s been such a rough year, but I’ve so appreciated your poetic offerings this year. Happy New Year. May we indeed usher in peace.
Yes to being shepherds of hope! Beautifully said, Patricia. Happy New Year! 💗
“heartwood steeled” is stunning. Enjoy your snow and Happy New Year!
I love the idea of being a shepherd of hope in 2026! Count me in!!
Beautiful, Patricia, and hooray for snow and family! And I love that Rosetti poem and also the musical versions by both the Moody Blues and by Kate Rusby. Your stunned silence is breathtaking.
“the landscape assembles
in stunned silence” — is stunning.
Yes to being shepherds of hope, Patricia. Thanks for this.
A shepherd of hope is a very fine aspiration!
Love your beautiful hopeful poem, especially that evocative opening: “The landscape assembles/in stunned silence.” I’ve been thinking a lot about when things will change and the reminder that most/all things return, and your poem with hope returning is a comfort, as is your lovely suggestion for us all to be “shepherds of hope.” Thank you! Happy New Year, Patricia!!!