Winter Solstice

I’ve never wished that Christmas be delayed,

but now it’s my only desire.

The clash of saber and roar of cannon summon me

and I’m obliged to obey.

With apprehension I search for gifts

to bring joy to those I leave behind.

For when wrapping paper and bows are gone

I must go to foreign lands,

to an uncertain future.

How I envy Mr. Tumnus, in his land of

perpetual, Christmas-less winter.

For if the world were suspended at the solstice,

the New Year could never come,

and I would never have to leave.