Huntress of Frost

Feathery frost obscures

a shadowed realm, deceptively pure.

Crystal branches, overburdened white,

resplendent in the morning's light.

Steadfast browns and daring greens

masquerade as a world serene.

Blooming day's mewling rays

cleansing fire of doldrums' greys.

Breath of life finally exhaled;

enchanted whispers of fairytales.

Nature's pallet lushly renewed,

the Huntress ventured beneath the blue.

Milky skin adorned in fur,

flowing tresses an amber river.

Gaze to match the gentle sky.

The very ocean within her eyes.

And by her side, forevermore,

visage of death in feline form.

Her weapon clutched in reverent due

Elegant, curved, pristine yew.

String of coiled, ghostly hair 

tough and thin as mountain air.

A single arrow 'neath her grip,

dancing dawn on it's gleaming tip.

Movement beyond a fallen trunk

uprooted and cast aside as junk.

Hooves and muscle, larger than she

stooped beside the lifeless tree.

Digging through the layered snow

Desperate something may yet grow.

A situation much like her own -

one of them wouldn't return home.

Winter had heavily taken its toll

No family she knew had remained whole.

She'd never wanted to pursue this life.

But someone had to make the sacrifice.

A simple prayer, for mercy or pity,

answered by precious moment of clarity.

Her hands moved in practiced silence

steadied by her companion's presence.

Drawing back the unyielding string,

the Huntress released, and let her bow sing.

Reviews

[Nolo Segundo]

Oh, S. I forgot to point out the typo in 4th stanza--the only way I remember 'its' vs, 'it's' is to think of the possessive 'his' which also lacks the hook thingy.

[Nolo Segundo]

Beautifully done, so lyrical and classical! You should have been born 200 years ago my friend, when the masses still loved the flowing line...congrats on your win, much deserved recognition.

[Dominik D. Rites]

Love love love the metaphors and I especially love the last part:
"the Huntress released, and let her bow sing."
It's very powerful is very true to the nature of winter in all of her elegance and relentlessness. Very well written.

[Nolo Segundo]

Again, professional quality!

[Sazaku]

Thank you. This is one of my personal favorites.