Lily's Language Lab: 01/25/2026

Compiled by Lily Randall, Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

“Ephemeral" is the Word of the Week!

Ephemeral means "lasting for a very short time" in Greek. It is typically used to describe things that are transitory or fleeting. It can refer to things like "ephemeral beauty" or "ephemeral pleasures.”

Lily enjoys the recent snowfall in her backyard. (Digital image processed by the Editor.)

"Up and Down"

By George MacDonald (1824-1905)

Excerpted from Chapter 37 of At the Back of the North Wind (1871)

The Sun is gone down

And the Moon's in the sky

But the Sun will come up

And the Moon be laid by.

The flower is asleep.

But it is not dead,

When the morning shines

It will lift its head.

When winter comes

It will die! No, no,

It will only hide

From the frost and snow.

Sure is the summer,

Sure is the Sun;

The night and the winter

Are shadows that run.

Lily's Commentary:

This is a beautiful poem! I love the message of hope and the idea that the night and winter are temporary, and the summer and day will come back. It reminds us that everything in life is fleeting, but there is a cycle to life, and the darkest moments will pass. It's a comforting thought, especially during the coldest months of the year.