In the In-between

New Moon to Winter Solstice Poem

In the In-between

Between the hush of a moonless sky and the silence of the longest night,
I sit, not in shadow, not yet in light, but in the holy ache of allowing.

2025 called me to grow.

2025 Mandala I painted resembling my intention to GROW

I answered with bright eyes and open arms, not knowing that growth first asks you to break,
to spiral through the darkest caves of the heart, the spots needing a spark.

To touch the wound you’ve hidden in laughter.
To hold the fear you tucked beneath ambition.
To love the parts you swore were unlovable.

And oh, how they burned when I brought them to the light.
And yet I still stayed, softened, and grew.

Now, in this sacred pause, this breath between what has ended
and what has not yet begun, I bow.

To the pain that shaped me.
To the joy that surprised me.
To the grief that carved space
for more love, although it burned and twisted me for a bit.

I bow to all of it.

And with a heart made wide by surrender, I open.

Not to the promise of ease
(although I will call that in and ask for ease and grace
in every moment possible), to the beauty of what is.
To what’s still unfolding.
To what waits in the dark, just before the dawn.

Thank you Shawn Fink | Awesomely Awake for your words and shares, thank you Earth and Verse for the invitation for the poetry prompt, and Soul Journaling Sessions for this beautiful New Moon offering.

I write from the heart to share my journey and invite you to reflect on yours.
If my words resonate, bring light, or help you remember something true within yourself, I welcome your support.

This is love-fueled work.

And if you’re feeling called to go deeper, my book Courageous Compassion is an open door; a collection of lived stories that don’t define me, but might help shape the way you choose to be.

With my humbled heart I bow to you and wish every spark of light through every cell in your being through our darkest night.

With Love,

Alicia Joyful