Northward​

Issue 18

A man astride his horse
gazes across the lakeshore
from under tufted fur.
 
Both solid as stone
though ragged and spent.
 
The horse would look white
on any other plane
yet here
cream as bone.
 
Pressing upon the open lake
thick slabs of clear glass reside.
 
Cowberry cheeked children
carried by the herd
bundled in their wooden cradles.
 
The women give them offerings
shavings of frosted fish
 
Fuel against the remnant chill
cutting down from the tundra.
 
A jaded horse straggles
collapsing under the weight
of his crooked back.
 
A small group rushes
to gather his valued flesh
before the wanting eagles swoop.
 
Once all is collected
the clan nod in unison.
Heads turn north.
 
As one moving creature
they trudge on.

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BRYN WOOD is a writer based in Cyprus whose work explores varied styles and approaches. Writing, a relatively recent passion shaped by chronic illness, serves as both an outlet and a means of engaging with the world, human experience, and all its complexities.
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