The Hunter

Lying here, in silver twisted twilight’s fate. Face staring up at the sky. The world froze to my face. The pain, inescapable.

How did I get here?

Do I want to be here?

Do I want to be anywhere?

Oh, right. It was the fear that brought me here.

Driven out into this hellish landscape. Devoid of all visible life. But it is there. Frozen under the tundra. Awaiting springs dawn. When everything has thawn. When the world has returned to a fluid state, and we can move about again. From the earth to heaven.

But now I must survive. For one more moment with them.

Clouds crumple beneath my feet, as I drift through the sleet. Looking for something to eat. Oh how the cold makes my bones ache. Shaking and quivering, looking for a morsel to keep me awake.

Why have I forsaken myself to this place?

I was mistaken to believe I could conquer it all. I was poor, but I should have stayed in my ancestors’ halls. Now in the wilderness, I fear all that I hear. All I can only see in my mind’s eye.

Thought I’d strike it rich. But here I lie in this ditch of despair. Flakes driven like nails into my hair. Here I lie. Awoken to death’s calling. Crawling its way towards me. They said we would conquer the land and savages. Yet, I cannot even conquer my own death. Just another man breathing his last breath in the wilderness.

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