This poem didn’t appear until its subject matter reached 41 years old. Mom, God bless her and keep her, may well have taken till then to get a good night’s sleep!

Solstice 1955

Our son slept in the circle of my arms
that winter afternoon we drove
through little towns in Massachusetts
snow fell on the streets
and in the toy store
where the china stars were sold

~ joan vayo ~ August 13, 1996

Sorry, Harry – I guess Mom and I just gave away your age.

Before anyone fusses about the poem, let it be known that infant car seats didn’t come into vogue until the 1960s.

It seems only fitting that the subject of this poem is, along with his wife Linda, a great fan of winter. At the first sign of flurries, they’re ready to hike, ski, and snowshoe all up and down and around their beautiful Maine.

I think this is my favorite photo of my older brothers in the snow. (Even in black and white, Harry’s cheeks look chapped.)

Here’s wishing everyone a cozy winter solstice, full of memories old and new.

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“Solstice 1955” ©1996  Joan Vayo. All rights reserved.

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