MidWinter poem; In the middle of these sacred nights and holy day, in the midst of winter storms and in the middle of so many wars around the world, including the terrible civil war erupting in the final chapters of the Book of Judges, echoing still now, -- here’s a poetic exhale written in a letter to his friend, by Albert Camus:
“In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
I realized, through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.”
The longest night of the year is behind us and with it the winter season is celebrated with whatever helps us beat the gloom and raise up sparks of pleasure and patience into spring. We inherited these holidays along with the anxiety over cold and hunger in ancient days without sufficient heat and warmth all winter long. We also inherited some stories and traumas that echo those ancient fears and violent attacks on each other for reasons great and sometimes small. And also - the way to tell these tales in ways that help the healing.
For those of us reading along below the bible belt -- we’re wrapping up Judges with more chapters next week, bloody and beguiling, cliffhangers into what comes ahead when we flip open the book of Samuel. The miracle birth is a global myth, as a chaotic world keeps yearning along with us for some miracles, good news, the birth of better. Stay tuned for the birth of the baby who will be a prophet and proclaim a king. Meanwhile, in the midst of all, invincible presence, patient and strong, just and joyful. Meaningful and wonderful holidays.
Shabbat Shalom,
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In the Midst of Winter