Welcome to Day Three of the 12 Days of Solstice Poetry Challenge 2021!

Normally, this is a time of year when people come together…friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, even complete strangers. As you well know, as Covid carries on, our gatherings may have changed or temporarily dropped away. This can be challenging, but it can also awaken a new appreciation for those crazy holiday get-togethers and the people we choose to spend our time with. Blessedly, our inner connections persist regardless of what’s happening in the world. 

Your prompt today is: GATHERING.

I have a bit of a poetic surprise for you today. After three years of offering just my own work as examples, I’ve invited two of my dearest writer friends to join me for this year’s poetry challenge. Today’s guest poet is Cheryl Racanelli, a writer whose words always seem to flow straight from her beautiful heart to mine. I love how she combined the prompt with her experience of seeing some gorgeous holiday decorations. Thank you, Cheryl, for today’s poem and for the beautiful photograph you offered as well.

GATHERING
by Cheryl Racanelli

Gold and silver spheres
Alight upon the winter lawn
Twinkling brilliant notes,
Harmonizing with the secret carols within
Every observing heart,
Resonating with forgotten joy,
Inviting the magic of
Needing nothing more to
Glow.

Here’s a little more about Cheryl ~ Cheryl Racanelli is the author of 59 Prayers, a volume of poetry that explores the spiritual possibilities in the events of an ordinary life. She loves sharing her passion for poetry writing, and offers workshops online and at other interesting locations to which she’s been invited. She also teaches her signature Poetry Jar program for children in school settings. Cheryl has been writing professionally in various capacities for over 25 years. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Cheryl loves to surround herself with trees and brooks. She plays the guitar when she thinks of it. Cheryl is currently at work on her next book. You can find out more at cherylracanelli.com.

Enjoy this blessed day, and I’ll see you on Day Four!

Barbara