As the world freezes, doorways are opened to a sleeping darkness.
Some try to keep hold of the sun’s warmth, but it must melt away,
A slow march, time pulling a long night over the world
Marked by a solstice—night of ice and shadow when dread lords walk the Earth
Worshipped by followers who cannot see the light beyond their shadows.
Mountaintops brushed with new snow; bitter wind the breath of giants
Grinding stone to dust over long years of cold and gray,
Relentless under command of the Lord of Winter
Who carves his rule out of black nights and icy days,
The Evergreen his servant while all else lies dormant, awaiting the sun’s return.

Original Photograph