Convergence

In 2020 the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn . . . the closest
since 1623 and the closest observable since 1226! —Earth News

Crunching over a crust of icy snow
to seek a southwest facing break in a row
of tall pines, I look toward where the sun
has set, though violet clouds swept in
before the final glow. This winter
solstice night, we’re all waiting for
bright Jupiter and Saturn to align:
voilà! The Christmas star—that sign
of hope we crave. Alas, here in the real
world, cloud cover prevails. Still
a waxing moon breaks through
to dazzle. Let dawn’s light reveal
subtler wonders: a lone hawk’s circle
overhead, the magnolia’s first shoots.