A Walk In The Snow

Dean Mortlock

I followed his footprints,
His far bigger than mine.
I had to take much larger steps,
Almost leaping into the next space.

We were collecting wood ­
Although I'd never even be able to pick up
ONE of the enormous logs he was carrying.
"Get the kindling, son. That's just as important," he said.
"Even the biggest fires have to start with kindling."
So I did.

Then once I nearly fell.
I didn't judge a jump right and tumbled forward.
I closed my eyes and waited for the icy impact,
For the snow on my faceŠ
But it never came.
He stopped it.
He caught me.
I smiled and he laughed.
We were on our way again,
And I felt safer than I'd ever feel in my life.