High upon the forested mountain
covered in winter's white down blanket
her onyx-colored eyes scan the horizon...protector and guardian
watching her children play in their winter playground
She watches as the full moon slowly glides over the distant peaks
signifying the goddess' presence and the start of a new season
the children of the forest quietly begin to gather
bearing gifts to the one that nurtures and guides those under her care
ancient fey dressed in their splendid garments of deepest violet
carrying swords of birch and crowns of thistle
scatter petals of crocus and snowdrops at her feet
presenting her with nuts and cones for nourishment
multitudes of glittering eyes patiently watch from the forest around her
waiting for her signal to begin their trek through the night
leading them to their new home... where life's cycle will begin anew
a cycle... started before memory and continuing after she is long gone
she feels the ancient calling welling deep within her chest
breathing deeply... barely noticing the biting cold mountain air
she readies herself to loose the calling as ancient as time itself
a signal to all that the time has come to move on and start a new journey
