A dark week

It's been a long week, for lots of reasons.  The upshot is that I didn't post on Sunday, and that I have no photos of any of the knitting I've been doing (Poplar and Elm has a second sleeve, and I'm about six inches into the back).

Today, however, is Imbolc*.  Halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, Imbolc reminds me that the light does come back - truly it does!  It's also a day that people often post poetry on their blogs, and while I don't usually do that, I thought I would today.  This one has been in my mind this week.

Success
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation
Of honest critics
And endure the betrayal
Of false friends;

To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch,
Or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life had breathed easier
Because you have lived.
That is to have succeeded.
          Ralph Waldo Emerson



*Actually, some years Imbolc is February 1st, some it's February 2nd.  I'm sticking with today because it makes me happier.