7 Poems To Celebrate The Summer Solstice

June 21 is officially the first day of summer, otherwise known as the summer solstice. This day is one of symbolic importance as it marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and the point after which the sun gradually rises later and sets earlier starting June 21. It’s a day we wait all year for, and in honor of the occasion, here are a few summer poems that are perfect for getting into the spirit of the season.

The summer solstice is celebrated for its astronomical significance all over the world and has a long history of festivities, dating back hundreds of years. There are plenty of different ways to ring in the first day of summer, from performing some sun salutations to partying with thousands of other revelers at Stonehenge. But if you can't make it to Stonehenge this year, why not kick off your own celebration with something a little more simple, like reading some seasonally-themed poetry?

These seven summer poems are not only lovely to read, but they also perfectly capture the long, hazy days and warm breezy nights that we all enjoy this time every year. So before you head outside to soak in some of that beautiful sunshine, check out some of these works. Not only will you be feeling the spirit of the solstice in no time, you'll also be left feeling extra grateful for the warm summer months ahead. Happy summer!

1. "Summer Solstice" — Vassilis Comporozos

Summer solstice

A new born poem.

The cock heralds far and wide

the dawn of this day.

2. "Summer Stars" — Carl Sandburg

BEND low again, night of summer stars.

So near you are, sky of summer stars,

So near, a long arm man can pick off stars,

Pick off what he wants in the sky bowl,

So near you are, summer stars,

So near, strumming, strumming,

So lazy and hum-strumming.

3. "Saving Daylight" — C.M. Davidson-Pickett

Suppose for a moment you live in a land,

Amazed at what happens during summer solstice.

Very strange things begin to occur,

Instantly, there is little darkness,

Night that we are so used to

Gone; what is left is the brilliant colors.

Daylight from dusk to dawn to dusk again,

Alight in all its energy and brightness.

Yes, we are north of the sixtieth parallel;

Land of the midnight sun.

I have been here before and seen things,

Gazed upon the horizon, waiting for darkness to reappear,

Holding on to summer in all its life, love and beauty;

To see it ebb once more as daylight fades to night.

4. "Summer Solstice" — Carrie Richards

This was when the whole world measured time

This is when the light would turn around

This is where the past would come undone

and the spinning earth will mark a new beginning

Let's go back in time, to when it all began

To the breaking of new dawns

Where moments bright with fire, would light the chanting song

Where pagans worshipped sun, and danced among the trees

Wore strange masks of covered straw, and blessed cold ash with awe

Wreaths hung upon the door against all spirit's, dire

and when the winter's grasp let go, the sun reversed the pyre

This was when the whole world measured time

This is when the light would turn around

So that spring arrives, and seeds will sprout and grow

Oh, radiant sun, stretch the day, shorten night

Return earth's darkness into light

This is where the light

will turn around

And this was where the past has comes undone

5. "Moonlight, summer moonlight" — Emily Jane Brontë

‘Tis the moonlight, summer moonlight,

All soft and still and fair;

The solemn hour of midnight

Breathes sweet thoughts everywhere,

But most where trees are sending

Their breezy boughs on high,

Or stooping low are lending A shelter from the sky.

And there in those wild bowers

A lovely form is laid;

Green grass and dew-steeped flowers

Wave gently round her head.

6. "In The Summer" — Nizar Qabbani

In the summer

I stretch out on the shore

And think of you Had I told the sea

What I felt for you,

It would have left its shores,

Its shells,

Its fish,

And followed me

7. "Summer Rain" — Raymond A. Foss

A break in the heat

away from the front

no thunder, no lightning,

just rain, warm rain

falling near dusk

falling on eager ground

steaming blacktop

hungry plants

thirsty

turning toward the clouds

cooling, soothing rain

splashing in sudden puddles

catching in open screens

that certain smell

of summer rain