Chasing the Sun is a collection of poems of hope and light for the dark days of winter. 

After I graduated college in 2021, hundreds of poems flooded my olive green Michael’s sketchbooks. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was my way of processing the fading light of fall.

Written from my experience navigating seasonal depression, Chasing the Sun moves through the journey of anticipating winter, sitting in the thick of it, and the freeing hope of spring—of more light—coming. 

It’s about winter, yes, but it’s really a nod to any and all hardships or heartaches that lead us into the dark. 

I’ve decided to share the series online, releasing a few poems each week, until we make it to spring. These poems aren’t doing anyone any good collecting dust in my Google Drive, and I believe it’s the right time to share their light with the world.

My prayer in publishing this work is that anyone walking through the darkness would feel seen, loved, and filled with hope. You are not alone. The light is coming—it always is. 

I’d be so honored if you shared these words with anyone you think would be touched by this message. Sharing a link to this post online is a great way to get it to the right people. 

Thank you for being on this journey with me. Your presence is everything.

In love,
Anna Rose 

_______

DEDICATION
To the one who feels the darker days of winter
a little deeper than the rest.

To the one who feels the sun’s setting deep in their core,
longing for longer days.

To the one who fears the darkness,
aching as the light disappears with dusk. 

To the one who chases the sun like their life depends on it,
Hard and fast as winter approaches,
And faster still as it sticks around
A day or twenty-two too long.

You are not alone. 

These words are for you,
and so is the light. 

_______

SEASON’S GREETINGS
I’ve wanted to create something
Something to say,
Hello, Fall,
How do you do?

There’s no avoiding or escaping 
Your presence among us now.

I pray you are different this year,
The seasonal cycle
Beginning a new revolution of its own,
A rhythm I can bear.

You are here,
And I just wanted to say,
Hello.

_______

SIGNS OF FALL
All around me
Are signs of fall.
A shift,
A new season
Settling in my heart
A new headspace.

And even though
The temperature wouldn’t tell you,
I can say for certain
The light is different today
Than it was
A week ago.