THE SHORTEST DAY 



Day of Promise. For as the greatest darkness often 

 heralds the light, so December's shortest day ushers 

 in the Day of the Dawn. 



What matters the driving rain and dismal fog or 

 blizzard's blast and biting cold? Vanquished their 

 power, their hour has struck, the tide has turned and 

 every tick by night or day brings nearer the onrushing 

 victorious sun. Higher he mounts, and, though as 

 yet the sleep of Nature prevails, her slumber is broken, 

 for she has heard the call go forth to every dormant 

 bud and resting root to mobilise. Tardy perchance 

 her response may be, still the silent push of growth 

 will lose no chance and buttercups of burnished 

 gold are coming. 



11 



