Black Ribbon

Enchanged path

  	Winding through the hills

Untouched vision of quiet

Steam from icy water

Moonbeams on the frosty forest.

Black ice: cold, hard, strong

  	Window to the deep

  	Supporter of unbidden trodders,

  	Cautious of open leads.

Frost crystals: stars on ice

  	Wispy fragments and feathery patterns

  	Fed by the misty waters

  	Drunk by the eyes of a privilaged few.

Silent peace: quiet burble of laughing waters

  	Narrow channels between icy edges

  	Fighting the frosty air

  	Freezing shut, slowly, with each passing day.

My path: a litter of broken crystals

  	Wandering from side to side

  	Down the frozen stream

  	Under brilliant stars and soft moonlight.

                                     Ray R. Collins