A Black Winter

Her days were spent in clearing the snow-filled passages and fixing the pipes। Hauling the snow with her trusted shovel, she would continue on her task until it gets done. But this white winter was showing no signs of an end. Every day she would clear up the roads, only to have them lined with snow again.

Tired and hungry she would return, only to have the creaking noises of the old house keeping her awake all night. She begged for the winds to stop howling,

"I hardly get any sleep.. Just stop the winds for tonight!".

She fervently hoped that her prayers would be answered. The winds heard her plea and sounds of the night abated for a while. Holding their breath, ready to gasp in surprise.

She was drifting to sleep. Cold was creeping in from the cracked window and now a layer of frost adorned her blanket. Shivering, but too tired to let go of her sleep, she snuggled further, seeking the absent warmth.

As the morning hours approached, she stared at her icy fingers, the white of snow from outside the window ~ almost blinding in the sunlight. She was rubbing her hands in a frenzy.. trying to revive the circulation. She moved towards the sunlight, dwelling in its warmth, gathering the strength to live another day.

In the receding darkness she could still see the Snow Queen, Royal in her carriage, promising to return and see her again tonight. She smiled and thought,

"Three more days to Christmas,
Three more days to survive,
Three more days for the Snow Queen,
to try and take her Life
Three more days till Father Christmas
Three more days till he arrives
Three more days for the Saint himself,
to fetch her away from this life.
Three more days .. of the Black Winter.
Three more days till respite
Three more days till her thoughts linger,
on 'where shall i get some food tonight'."