I venture forth into the cold, crisp night
In search of that small hope
With my collar pulled up around my neck
I journey forth into the cold air

My breath a ghost in the night
I mount my horse and trudge out into the snow
The forest looming in front of me
A Silent fortress, blocking all those of faint heart from reaching the centre

The crisp black ether of night surrounds me like a cloak
Closing around me as if to choke me
Instead, making me feel safe
Serene

Through the gnarled branches above I glimpse the moon
The stars like freckles on the face of the night
Glimmering and shining
Onward my horse trudged

In the distance an owl hoots to its mate
A reply cuts the air above me startling me
Her white body a contrast to the black trunk of the tree
Her neck swivels around and she hoots once more

I squeeze my calves around the beast’s sides
She snuffs in defiance
I reach foreword and pat her neck hissing encouragement
Onward we trudge