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    © 2003 Andrew Dormeier
The sun pierced the horizon like a sharp blade, waking up this land for another day. The warm rays from this intrusion into the realm of night began their work on the snow-covered landscape. The scattered, sparse fir trees on the gently rolling hills accepted this almost forgotten energy source with glee. The snow on their limbs slowly began to melt, dripping to the ground in small droplets of water. In that brief airborne instant they each held a tiny rainbow. The immense mountain peaks to the north had been lit almost an hour ago, but in staunch defiance: the warmth that was accepted on the snow plains was rejected on these lonely peaks. To the west night still kept its firm and icy grip, the hills fading into darkness. As far east as could be seen, not a single sign of animal life presented itself. Far off on the southern horizon a darker blue could be seen in contrast to the lighter sky. This frigid northern ocean was unlikely to show many signs of life either, though there surely was life there. As the sun was finally born once again from the eastern cradle, this barren land could be seen in full majesty. Originating from the southwest was a single pair of footprints, etched in the otherwise smooth layer of snow. Northeast, at the end of the tracks, a darkly-clad human figure could be seen walking at an angle towards the intimidating mountain range. As he continued his unrelenting march, his shadow was cast west over the pure white snow.
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