God of the Summer Solstice
A psalm-like summer poem and a few literary updates!
I wrote this piece during this year's summer solstice (June 20th, 2024) while experiencing a few days of waiting on the Lord for an answer. These words are a prayer, a lament, a questioning, but ultimately, a surrendering to God’s perfect plan. Although things did not happen the way I had hoped, there is the unwavering confidence that He heard me in my waiting, and always will. He is, after all, the God of the summer solstice.
God of the Summer Solstice My face staring at dirt bent low, nose to the earth breathing in the fresh dew. Wet drops trickle down in tears of mud as clenched fists pound on growing ground. O God of the summer solstice On this longest day Of my waiting Where does my help come from? O God of the summer solstice Who took his hands and, like dough, stretched, rolled this planet into a ball. Gave it a tilt, set it on its axis at the reach of the sun’s brightness. O God of the summer solstice Who carved out the land, threaded together every blade of grass. Called beasts, birds, plants to be fruitful and multiply. A holy command. O God of the summer solstice Have you not rolled and stretched me on your potters wheel? Fashioned me to move, think, feel? Given me the same instruction, too. I have obeyed. Do you betray? O God of the summer solstice I lift my face from the dirt and lift my eyes to the hills: My help comes from you, O God of the summer solstice. Maker of all the long days of waiting. The seasons, their changing. Maker of all not my will but yours be done. O God of the summer solstice. - r.e.g.
Exciting Literary News!
One of the most intimidating aspects of pursuing ones love of writing, or any art form, is the inevitable rejection. It isn’t really about if it will come, but when—and for poets I think it’s safe to say it comes often. However, when something does get accepted and published, it is extremely humbling and rewarding. That’s why I am so excited to share that, in the past few months, some of my pieces have both been published and accepted for forthcoming publication!! This is a huge honor. I am thankful that my work has found a home in the following places…
- : Their inspiring online spring collection, Renaissance, featured one of my poems: “Daughter’s First Spring.” You can read it here. I also encourage you to read the rest of the publication, it is delightful.
- ’s Spring Literary Journal: Three of my poems (Groaning for Glory, Stairway to Heaven, and A Pregnancy Sonnet) were featured in this lovely print journal which is available for purchase here.
Twenty Hills Publishing: This amazing publishing company has an upcoming print anthology that I get to be a part of. Three of my poems (Communing with an Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, Like the Snapdragons, and Pear Tree Buds) were accepted into Project Nature, a collection focusing on pieces that use nature as a metaphor to explain personal growth. It will release in the spring of 2025. Specific date TBD.
Vessels of Light: One of my poems, “How to Eat a Coconut,” has been accepted for publication in the Vessels of Light summer journal. The theme for this collection is Burst of Life. I can only begin to imagine all the amazing pieces that will be a part of this. I cannot wait to read them all when it releases on August 1st!
Praise be to God for each one of these literary accomplishments!!
If you’ve read this far––thank you. Your support means the world to me.
Seeking to live in light of eternity,
Rosa.
So proud of you! This is both hard and good news. Keep going!
So lovely! Congratulations!!