Darkness/Light

It was the writer
Bertold Brecht,
who spoke of the "dark times"
so eloquently
yet that darkness referred
to society,
politics...
And today, one can certainly identify-
but on this day,
December 16th
I refer to darkness and light
in the realm of nature-
the winter solstice
something that was misunderstood
by the ancients
and observed warily-
that shortening 
of days
and lengthening of the night-
like an eclipse,
it became all the more
reason for the celebration of
Light.
And now, the Holidays are
almost
upon us
and another year
has reached its culmination.
Sometimes I wonder about
darkness and light,
those cosmic yin/yangs
they are more than just dualities,
mere symbols-
each holds a myriad dimensions,
shades of grey
for darkness can be a respite,
a needed rest
from the fiery exuberance of
day-
like the welcome coolness
of a gentle rain
after the blaze
of a burning sun.
Darkness can bring
introspection,
insight
give haven
to poets, contemplatives
it is the abode of slumber,
thus dreams.
It is a place to regroup,
remember
and look inward
so embrace the night
and ponder,
plan,
pray.