Black Snow
23 March 2006
by Dan Allen

Yul had almost forgotten how miserable it was to lay in the melting snow. Cold as it was, the snow covered ground was not the crisp clean blanket he had grown accustomed to as a young man. He lay breathing slowly, calming himself with each exhale. The impending conflict with a group of snarling ogres did not bother him. Calm and calculating as he was, Yul had no need to fear the mindless rampage of hulking mass. What bothered him was the weight of new responsibility.

Never had he any reason to have caution, other than to ensure a successful outcome. Now, his only worry was the care of someone far away. Exhale... "At least she is capable of protecting herself if the need arises." Exhale... It became readily apparent that his train of thought was nothing than an infinite circle of worry. The best he could do was to fulfill his assignments, live and bring honor to his new family. On the next exhale Yul scribbled:

Cold from without chills
the skin and creates doubt.
Honor warms a pilgrim.