The Yuki-Onna is a Japanese spirit who lures people out into the snow. She is thought to be the soul of a woman who died of the cold.
Who once I was, I do not know
I know my newfound purpose though
On winter nights, my voice you’ll hear
As I lead you into the snow.
And once, I would have thought it queer
To lead you where no hope is near,
Perhaps into some freezing lake
The coldest evening of the year.
But now, this impulse I can’t shake
I know it can be no mistake
You mortals I must gently sweep
Into your beds of frost and flake
The cold is lovely, dark and deep
There’s no more promises to keep
And not too long before you’ll sleep
And not too long before you’ll sleep.
With apologies, obviously, to Robert Frost.
Tom Juniper Poetry 