Week One - Task #03. - “And a Song Someone Sings”

[Prof. Sindor Aloyarc]

You sympathize with why the bears would be on edge, not to mention at odds with humans after what they’ve been through.

“That’s awful,” you say, gravely.

Still whispering, as not to draw the bears’ attention, the man agrees, “It is,” while fiddling at something around his neck.

A twinkle bounces off the chain between his fingers as he absentmindedly pulls out a uniquely shaped piece of jewelry hidden beneath his shirt.

The sight makes you gasp.

“What is it?” He asks.

“I’m… not sure,” you reply. “Something about the shape of that charm you’re wearing…”

“My locket?”

Immediately you recall what that shape reminds you of. Digging through your bag, you snatch the music box out once more, scrutinizing an oddly shaped opening on the back end.

Your eyes light up as you turn it so the man can see the resemblance between the opening in the box and his locket.

Without another word between you, he unhooks the chain around his neck to hand it over. You draw the two pieces toward one another, hearing a gentle clink as they fit together perfectly.

Having wound the box already, it needs no further coaxing before a soft tinkling begins to chime out a piece of music so hauntingly beautiful, you become overwhelmed with emotion.

The longer you listen, words start to materialize in your mind out of nowhere, as though surely you must have heard this as a song before.

Then, with absolutely no shred of shame, you allow two lines of tears to stream down your face in front of this stranger. Marveling as the tiny polar bears in the music box come to life after so many years of curiosity.

They dance in circles, just like the ones leaping and turning behind you.

Task:
Using 100 words or more, relay whatever Lyrics you recall after hearing the music box play by writing an original poem and sharing your work with us below, including at least four of the following words: December, Storm, Glowing, Ember, Dancing, Bears, Silver, Remember.

Alternatively you may contribute your Opinion in 150 words or more about how you would most enjoy celebrating a winter solstice.

This task is worth 15 beans/sapphires, with an additional 15 bonus beans/sapphires for completing all Week One tasks by end of activity. Deadline is 11:59pm (HOL time) on Thursday December 21st.

[Adeline Morior]

Since I live in the Southern Hemisphere, the winter Solstice happens during June time. We don’t particularly celebrate it but are aware of it. It snows in areas in my country but not where I live. I think how wonderful it would be if it did. If I could celebrate the winter Solstice, I would do it close to the ocean. I once went on a survival camp where we were placed in a wilderness area next to the ocean on sand dunes during the middle of winter.

I remember how bright the moon was and how I would see or felt like I could see every star in the milky way. It was so quiet. I would recreate that. A bonfire on the sand dunes looking out over the ocean at night. Perhaps even see if we can bring some lanterns. Keep warm and have hot drinks and food to share stories with. I would like to just spend the time in nature and in the quiet. Feeling and appreciating the bite of the cold, reminding me of seasons changing. We could dance to keep warm and sing to have fun.

To me and in my opinion, that is how one should celebrate the solstice. In nature and with family and friends. To really appreciate the change in seasons in nature and in our lives.

[Viviana Kingston]

I still remember
That one cold night in December
We were stuck in a storm
With no way to call home
You lit a fire to keep us warm
As we huddled together in the cabin
Covered in whatever blankets we could find
I remember being worried
But you melted it away
In the light of the glowing embers
You sang me a song
A whimsical one, on the spot
You were spilling nonsensical tales
About dancing bears
And horses with rainbow manes
And somehow that played my heart
Like strings on a guitar
With your silver words
We made it through the night
And when morning came
And we could leave
I jumped into the car
Knowing I wasn’t the same
It took one night without the luxury of certainty
To realise who you are to me

[Lex Green]

I still remember
The storms in the skies
Midway through December
The tears in my eyes
Silver lightning flashed
We danced 'til we fell
Our hopes newly dashed
Knowing fate all too well
Running into the house
Old fire still glowing
Embers left to douse
Red and orange still showing
Straight into bed
Asleep after hours
Of fighting and dread
My future not hours
I awoke in the morning
To cold empty nothing
The end hit without warning
Pain became crushing
The nightmares still haunt me
Of past days and times
They laugh and they taunt me
As they replay my crimes

[Artemisia Thorne]

In the hush of December, whispers in the night,
A storm of memories, lightning striking bright.
Glowing embers of a love we used to know,
Dancing bears of yesteryear, putting on a show.

Silver moonlight weaves a tale,
Of a love that set sail, destined to prevail.
Remember when we danced, our hearts entwined,
In the silver glow, a love so undefined.

December's storm may rage, but we'll find our way,
Glowing embers of love, brighter every day.
Dancing bears in our hearts, a memory so sweet,
Silver linings in the clouds, our love's heartbeat.

Through the howling winds, our story unfolds,
In the icy December, where the warmth of love holds.
Glowing moments like stars in the night,
Dancing bears in the moonlight, a breathtaking sight.

Silver threads of time, weaving through the years,
Remembering the laughter, overcoming fears.
A storm may brew, but love will endure,
In the glowing echoes, memories pure.

December's storm may rage, but we'll find our way,
Glowing embers of love, brighter every day.
Dancing bears in our hearts, a memory so sweet,
Silver linings in the clouds, our love's heartbeat.

Through the tempest, we'll stand side by side,
A love that can't be shaken, a timeless guide.
Glowing like a beacon, in the darkest night,
Dancing bears in our dreams, taking flight.

Silver whispers in the frosty air,
A love that's timeless, beyond compare.
Remember the warmth when the world turns cold,
Dancing bears waltzing, a story to be told.

December's storm may test our might,
But in the glowing embers, we'll find the light.
Dancing through the challenges, hand in hand,
Silver threads binding us, a love so grand.

December's storm may rage, but we'll find our way,
Glowing embers of love, brighter every day.
Dancing bears in our hearts, a memory so sweet,
Silver linings in the clouds, our love's heartbeat.

As December's storm subsides, the air serene,
Glowing love prevails, a timeless sheen.
Dancing bears in the moonlight, forever we'll share,
In the silver glow of love, beyond compare.

[Scarlet Robloutain]

In December's grasp, a stormy waltz takes flight,
Silver flakes swirling, a celestial dance of the night.
Bears of winter, guardians in moonlight's glow,
Amidst the tempest's chaos, they stand in the snow.

Glowing embers flicker, a hearth's warm embrace,
A refuge from the storm, a sanctuary of grace.
Dancing shadows on the wall, a mesmerizing ballet,
Recalling tales of old, as memories gently sway.

In the silence of the night, a whisper to remember,
Echoes of the past, each snowflake a tender ember.
Silver threads of moonlight shine through the trees,
Nature's lullaby, sung on the December breeze.

Beneath the vast expanse, where storms may roar,
A quiet symphony, a timeless rapport.
In the heart of winter's fury, a tranquil ember,
A dance of nature's beauty, a memory to remember.

[Evie Figg]

Celebrating the winter solstice isn't necessarily a celebration where I come from, as much as it is a preparation. I am from Canada, so I suppose it goes without saying that we are well known for our winters. So, having said that, my people have had many years of traditions and activities we practice in order to 'celebrate' the winter solstice. There are many things we have that prepare us for the cold winter, as well as make it seem not so bad. The food in the winter is definitely a lot more comforting and hearty, so that is one of my favourite ways to celebrate winter! With food! Baking pies and cookies, as well as making stews and breads is a great way to distract yourself from the colder weather outside. The hot beverages such as hot chocolate and hot apple cider to also a nice winter treat that don't quite feel the same when you drink them in any other season.

[River Fenwick]

On the coldest night of December,
Hopefully, you'll still remember,
Circling around the glowing ember,
Campfire ablaze, it's embrace tender
Under silver moons, dancing away
So magical, you'd think it was fae
Then comes a storm, completely abrupt
Our celebration now interrupt
Snow soaks the campfire, putting it out
Bears roar nearby, the fun must reroute
Seeking safety, we find our cabin
Stop our celebration? Can't happen
We make do, playing music again
Lightening the mood to restore zen
We talk and dance the rest of the night
Able to forget our early fright
By morning, filled with fun, our hearts swell
The day we left, our final farewell

[Dibyarup James Potter]

December Whispers

In the twilight's hush of a December night,
A music box whispers, soft and light.
Silver notes twirl like dancing bears,
In the silent storm of forgotten cares.

Silver moonlight paints the snowy ground,
A silent world where secrets abound.
Glowing embers dance in the hearth's embrace,
A warm sanctuary in this frozen space.

Bears slumber deep in their caves,
Dreaming of spring, and sunlit glades.
With a timeless tune in winter’s cold air,
It recalls tales of love, and moments so rare.

So let the music box play its song,
A lullaby for hearts where memories throng.
For even in darkness, hope softly gleams,
Like a flickering flame in the realm of dreams.

[Aquaria Sandalwood]

I would enjoy celebrating a winter solstice at a gathering of friends, I think. In the past, to mark the winter solstice, I have made a special cake that I found the recipe for in the newspaper. It is a very dark chocolate cake (perfect for the darkest night of the year), with a frosting made out of mascarpone and whipped cream, and a layer of filling made from roasted hazelnuts. It is very delicious, and best shared with friends. So my ideal winter solstice would be a small gathering, I would make my special winter solstice cake, and we would maybe have a bonfire and hot chocolate or hot cider to drink, talking about our year and what we want to change in the new year to come. Ideally, it would be a clear night and we would be able to see the moon and stars, and I obviously would love it if there were also snow.

[Hiya Debnath]

On a snowy December night, came a huge storm,
Turned into a blizzard, and in the distance I could see a form.
A huge polar bear prowling the snowy fields,
Seeking refuge from the weather, having no natural shields.
I was watching through the window pane, of my little log cabin,
My half read book open in front of me, telling a story of a poor man, set in a river basin.
The glowing ember in the fireplace crackled and burnt bright,
Dying hot, and giving me heat, while I worried about the poor polar bear's plight.
Just then, I saw the most amazing sight,
A family of bears appeared to be dancing, and the scene gave me such a fright.
I pressed my nose to the window pane, to see more closely,
Was this real or was I seeing things because I was lonely?
The storm had ended, and the soft, silver glow of the Moon made visible,
The dance of the white bears, so beautiful and incredible.
I must have dozed off by the window pane, because I woke up later.
However, whether that was a dream or real, that was certainly something I will forever remember.