A Thorn Among Roses Poem by Paul Lierman

White saturates the air, whisks about and lands
On likewise white hair, and on grey bony hands.

The traveler shudders from within his mottled cloak
And rolls a wretched shoulder, his satchel dark with soak.

Alone he treks forever across the endless, barren plains
Bearing all alone his haunting burdens and his pains.

His plight is great, as is his freight, and his eternal wait
To see the gate, through bitter slate, and cold engulfing hate.

Snow gnashes the air and bloats the ground; white oblivion all around.
Under the dark cowl, ragged breath the only sound, a scowl is found.

Pain has not yet bent his resolve, nor has the fiendish world broken him
Though his life with malice has filled his bitter cup to the brim,
His stride is strong; his fiery eyes have not yet begun to dim.