[January 30, 2017]

The thin crisp air suffocates their jagged pointed peaks
A slick coat of ice freezes the atmosphere where he sleeps
The frigid intensity thickens with each shallow rapid breath
Each step higher draws her closer to a hollow agonizing death

Fighting back cowardice and dread she trudges through the snow
The vicious unrelenting wind crushes her spirit with each blow
Pressing forward with frostbite eating away her form exposed
She collapses upon the summit, life draining away from her soul

The clouds shimmer a crimson hue, lightning dancing through the atmosphere
The light bursts, shattering apart the sky, enveloping the air in fear
Cloaked in ruby flames, descending with mighty gusts of channeled despair
He lands next to her, releasing a powerful cry for all the world to hear

He places a sharp beak upon her chest, presenting her with his fire
Warming her cold corpse, he breathes thoughts into selfish desires
Placing delicate wings over broken spirit, insulating her from the blizzard
Using his sheer will to protect her from the icy grasp of bitter winter

She opens her eyes, snowflakes falling upon her as she stares upon a snowy sky
Mind free of thoughts, she embraces her existence, the feeling of being alive
Upon a distant mountain peak, she sees the soft glow of brilliant ruby wings
She watches the light fade as he flies away, knowing they will meet again