Each step feels as though the previous is lost.
The snow beneath my foot, dampened by those that have tread before.
Was their skin lashed by the gales that haunt me so?
Or their brow tormented by the flakes so cold; each as piercing as a frozen demon's kiss?
With no warming light to guide me, only the bellowing past steadies my senses.
With each step onward, the push of those long since weakens.
Will their burden crush my spirit?
Shall their eternal torment find no reprieve?
I tread ever onward, to carry their memories out of this storm.
Harried on by the creaking pines, my vision begins to fade.
Does this path have no end, the storm ne'er faultering?
No longer do prints precede; Must I carry this burden alone?
The maliceful cold splinters my bones and weakens my gait.
My flowing blood staunched; marking the end.
My sanity cracks; have I truly faltered?
Have I ever even possessed the will to weather this tempest?
MY calls go unanswered.
My heart has fallen silent.
Will my final step lead another towards the light?
Or will my spirit simply join the legions of those that have come before?