In the bleak midwinter time
when life feels blank and doesn’t rhyme,
when melting snow looks more like grime
joy plays at hide and seek.
This is the time of year I pine
for longer days and warm sunshine,
for river cruising on the Rhine.
Oh, how I long for spring.
But since drab days await me still,
I’ll dress to counteract the chill
and bravely climb up winter’s hill
to view what soon will come.
Trapped in the drizzle of dark dreary days
we often are sad and depressed.
Held hostage by winter, we plead for release
while stir-crazy, housebound and stressed.
The long nights of winter have taken their toll.
We dream of the day we’re set free
to dance with spring flowers and bathe in the sun
and shade ‘neath a blossoming tree.
As Tevye the dairyman hoisted his cup,
he toasted L’chaim (“to life”).
With praise for the sunlight and springtime rebirth,
I join him with clarinet and fife.
“Not good for man to be alone!”
God said when life began.
“To skate through life with joy he needs a pair.
Someone to share the thrills and spills.
Someone to hold his hand,
a partner by his side when he is scared.”
What God intended from the start
is what makes life complete.
A spouse or friend to navigate thin ice.
When sharing joys and sorrows,
we find meaning in each day.
Companionship is needed (not just nice).
As we face the bleak midwinter
and the angst of sunless days,
dark emotions drain our joy ducts
when depression stalks its prey.
Lord of light please shine upon us.
Bathe us with Your warmth we pray.
As we navigate the puddles
in the place where joy once played,
it is hard to sense Your presence,
when our hearts are cold and gray.
Lord of light please shine upon us.
Bathe us with Your warmth we pray.
As we wait with hope for springtime
when joy blossoms day by day
we acknowledge our dependence
on Your knowledge of our way.
Lord of light please shine upon us.
Bathe us with Your warmth we pray.
Tune: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
My Rhymes and Reasons 