TENDER MERCIES

Snow fell among the birches

that cold, dark night.

I slipped though the wood

barefoot, breathless,

like a frightened fawn.

Desperately alone,

weary and weak,

I moved between trees,

too hungry to eat,

too tired to sleep.

Into the darkness, I fled,

and you were there,

the hunter, the master

of horse and hounds,

no stranger to the wood.

Quietly you approached,

and my heart quickened.

You did not draw your bow,

you only spoke to me,

and calmed me with your touch.

I did not resist, but fell

softly into your arms.

In the darkness of the night,

you kissed snowflakes from my face,

warmed me, and set me free.