As Sunna disappears behind a towering mountain,
Several wolves peek out from their winter den.
They growl at the stars, and howl at the moon,
The wolves sense Her coming ! She will arrive soon !
The pups are playing, rolling in the newly fallen snow,
Oblivious to the nervousness the adults now show.
With ears held straight, they listen for the sound,
Of skis making tracks, and poles striking ground.
Out of the darkness, a shadow in the night,
Her outline made distinct only by Mani' s light.
She stands strong and proud, mighty Goddess of skis,
Her hair blowing like wheat in the gentle mountain breeze.
Slowly they approach Her, heads held low,
Trying not to let their true feelings show.
Skadhi looks at them as though She will scold,
Her blank stare is as intense as it is cold.
One of the pups rubs gently up against Her leg,
Looks up at Her with sad little eyes that beg.
Skadhi smiles as She lifts the little wolf up,
" I will call you Swift - Runner my furry little pup !"
Over the years Swift - Runner grew strong and fierce,
His howling would travel far and wide the air to pierce.
He traveled with Skadhi, Her closest companion and friend,
A proud four - legged warrior who would always defend !
- Glenn Bergen, Copyright, 2013.