By Patrick Sipperly (Picture Prompt)
~ Day 59 ~
I started my descent into Shepherd's Canyon this morning before the sun topped the tall pines. Shady died in the night. I can only carry some of the equipment and rations. She was a good horse. A friend.
I thought I saw foot prints near the bottom where the trail divides. I tracked them to the west until they disappeared at the edge of the rocks. Moore Creek is nearly dried up. Only one canteen left.
Miranda, where are you? Where have they taken you?
Had to stop half way up the jagged edge of Weaver's Beam. The trail is steep. The hard rocks are unkind. As hard as the sun that hangs low in the sky. It looks more red than bronze now, like a cruel monster. He knows where she is, but won't share his secrets. The cold is coming again. The coyotes feel it too. They get closer every night.
This shallow cave has less wood and grass than the others. It opens to the north, forever hidden from the sun. The cold is upon me. There's more wood below, but I can't go back down into the canyon now. The last of the old jerky is gone. Canteen is empty.
The fire is small but my hands and face are warm. By the light of the flames I can see her cross. It's cold in my hands. Miranda wore it the day we married. I don't need the light to see her smile. Her eyes held my heart captive between heaven and earth. Dark eyes. Dark like the night.
Where have you gone, my love?
~ Day 59 ~
I started my descent into Shepherd's Canyon this morning before the sun topped the tall pines. Shady died in the night. I can only carry some of the equipment and rations. She was a good horse. A friend.
I thought I saw foot prints near the bottom where the trail divides. I tracked them to the west until they disappeared at the edge of the rocks. Moore Creek is nearly dried up. Only one canteen left.
Miranda, where are you? Where have they taken you?
Had to stop half way up the jagged edge of Weaver's Beam. The trail is steep. The hard rocks are unkind. As hard as the sun that hangs low in the sky. It looks more red than bronze now, like a cruel monster. He knows where she is, but won't share his secrets. The cold is coming again. The coyotes feel it too. They get closer every night.
This shallow cave has less wood and grass than the others. It opens to the north, forever hidden from the sun. The cold is upon me. There's more wood below, but I can't go back down into the canyon now. The last of the old jerky is gone. Canteen is empty.
The fire is small but my hands and face are warm. By the light of the flames I can see her cross. It's cold in my hands. Miranda wore it the day we married. I don't need the light to see her smile. Her eyes held my heart captive between heaven and earth. Dark eyes. Dark like the night.
Where have you gone, my love?