THE BLACK ICE

up and down to the crackling rhythm
must push forward into the unknown
pilgrims on a long search within
eyes fixed on the goal ahead of the down
words of wisdom, love, and life soothe the heart
shades of gray surround
traces of those gone astray... their screams still heard
becoming once again with the around
we must keep on this stretch of black ice
concentrate on the lines that set our way
never to go beyond the many outlines
never again to fall away

© 2003 thomas bates