I stepped into the cold And walked down to the lake Alongside forest shadows For winter's sake I've never been so bold The water turbulent, awake The wind stinging my nose The night for me to take The ripples spoke and I was told The choices I'm to make Advice in secret prose With everything at stake The winter colder and so old So much to learn, I ache The forest bare, and in this meadow I'm cleansed of all mistakes