As wandered he through forests bare
His white and glittering world traverse
A lark-spun note hung clear and shining
frozen in cold-snapped bone-chill air.
A note of hope! thought he, inspired
by proof that all was not moveless
in this icy void of timeless wandering.
Light! A spark in his tomb of heart fired.
A shape came dim to eye through vaulted trees
Shadowy form approaching, it seems a horseman!
The warmth of steamy flanks a dream
dim-remembered. Forgotten in the freeze.
The shape comes clearer, a bundled traveler
'upon laden chestnut mare, midnight locks
of mane and tail contrasting clear
in the whiteness, blessed armored cavalier!
The soldier stops, dismounts and shows
A crest of lions rampant with a dragon
The background red and vibrant, wild
like the beasts, the color fairly glows. Well met! He says, well met!
What do you here in these
Still and wintry lands?
M master's lands. I fret
I must inquire your quest.
Unhorsed and poorly shod,
Your garments near worn through,
Are you a friend . . . a guest? I do not know your master,
am not his honored guest.
I only wish a fire,
and work my only quest. Puzzled at this answer now, the knight
he cocks his head. The lonely boy can
only wait, as visions battle there.
At last, a nod, the knight agrees
To help him in his plight.
On chestnut horse, with beating heart,
He rode to meet his fate.
Alive at last, his careworn past
A memory to abate.