In the deep midwinter
shown a crystal bright.
Snow and stars still glimmer
in the dark of night.

In challenging times, I find strength by recalling my resilience from past experiences. Sometimes, I leaf through my old journals for inspiration. Recently, I came across the little verse above. I had written it during the winter after my husband’s diagnosis. He had a very frightening reaction to chemo, requiring hospitalization and multiple interventions. In the aftermath, I found inspiration in the song ” A Christmas Carol ” by Christina Rossetti. My interpretation spoke of hope and giving from the heart, though we may feel cold and empty. I found comfort in her words, written circa 1872.

I illustrated my poem using snow crystal images from Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley’s beautiful and inspiring work, Snow Crystals, published in 1931. I adorned the center of the largest image with a sparkling Austrian Crystal, capturing the magical interplay of facets and light.

I believe that small glimmers of light have the power to dispel darkness and to keep hope alive!