The Longest Day

Summer Solstice occurs at 11:06 a.m. PDT on Thursday, June 21st and we switch to a new season as the begin to grow shorter. This poem about the longest day was forwarded to me by my friend Larry in Missouri and reprinted here with permission from the author.

O purifying Earth, I thee invoke,

O Patient Earth, by sacred word enhanced, bearer of nourishment and strength, of food and ghee

O Earth, we would approach you with due praise! Atharva Veda

Gather, people, while Sun shines strong,

In shimmering air filled with heart's deep song.

Gather and listen, listen and pray

Give thanks and praise on this longest day.

Praise to earth, air, water and fire,

As portents loom of times that are dire

Ice caps melting, sea winds churning,

Islands drowning, wildfires burning.

Call on spirits South, West, North and East

To tame and temper the human beast

To wake us from our electronic trance

And restore us to harmony in the cosmic dance

We inhabit a planet born in the stars,

Wondrously forming all that we are

Humans and others who swim, creep and fly

Or put down roots while they reach to the sky

All one in our living in this beautiful Earth

Greening, growing and giving birth,

All one in our loving then fading away,

Here for a moment or a long summer's day

Embrace what is given, ask for no more

Give away what you can , make love not war.

Amy Hannon – Raritan Valley, NJ 2007