No one owns the solstice —
not the Christians, not the Jews,
not Morgan Chase, not Zuckerberg,
and (thank God) not Fox News.
Republicans don't own it.
Democrats don't either.
The solstice doesn't want our vote
and so we get a breather.
It will not be deported
because of where it's from.
It won't be sold, like Christmas was,
to amazon.com.
We can't deregulate the sun.
We cannot raise its taxes.
It's just a big ol' ball of flame
to which we all have access.
Let's hear it for the loyal star
that keeps us all alive
and doesn't give a rat's butt
if the Nasdaq takes a dive.
It's been in power for ages
without scandals, lies, or doping
or icky allegations
or history of groping.
It works by day, it works by night,
and doesn't mind repeating.
It stays on task — no hype, no tweets —
just lighting … and heating.
What's more, it's not a militant
for any cause or state.
It just does what it can to make
our solar system great.
The solstice. What a faithful friend!
And we are here to praise it.
So dear ones, if you have a glass,
now's the time to raise it.
Kathleen Tucker lives in St. Paul. The winter solstice will occur at 10:28 a.m. Thursday (Central time).