Frozen In Time

~~ Hand in hand they meander through the deserted lane, freshly fallen snow crumpling under foot Littering the sky, Bright stars, glittering like coins on a belly dancers belt, slowly surrender to the coming dawn Inch by measured inch the glory of Ra overpowers the starlight. In a pale blue sky, a pale golden disc, the colour of ripe oats at harvest time, looking close enough, and cool enough, to reach out and touch. Brilliant rays, arrows of liquid gold, capture the pristine landscape, splintering like a million shards of shattered glass. No sound, only silence, profound, in the clear crystal air. In the distance, a cock crows. Long morning shadows cast by tall pines, revealing a lone stoat, resplendent in his ermine coat. Emerging from shade, merging with sunlight, loping across the virgin snow with bounding grace. White on white, only the black tip of his tail and tiny footprints betraying his presence. In the distance, a dog barks, A small cottage, a stone chimney, a whisper of smoke announcing a new day, A hardy little robin pecking with determination to uncover water under ice. A door slams, the robin takes flight. Snow slides from the roof to gather in piles like miniature Himalayas. Icicles drop pearls as the thaw sets in. The world is awakening. In the distance, a train whistles. Still holding hands they walk on. ~~