Poetry by Christina Ciufo :Vosges’ Midsummer Solstice

Vosges’ Midsummer Solstice

Pine branches 
and their evergreen leaves seep
through wither stones 
of Château du Grand-Geroldseck. 
Golden-amber sunset 
behind the ruined castle, 
casting its’ misshapen shadow, 
like a ghost, over canary Genisteaes 
entering into the woods. 
 
Villagers, with torches in hand, 
walk in a procession
and form a circle around 
the large bonfire, spewing 
charred wood chips and blackened 
smoke into the night sky’s veil.  

Cythara and Mandore strum 
their medieval notes. Graïle blow their notes
being consumed by the bonfire’s smoke 
and intoxicating aroma of fermented wine, 
while the villagers choral a medieval 
song about St. John the Baptist 
across Vosges during 
the midsummer solstice.