The Deceit that Killed a Light

Two friends wandered along a cold path,
but warmth emanated from them,
snow melted and the flower blossomed,
even the biting rocks softened under their bare feet.

The Taller Friend noticed a glimmer off the trail,
and with a grin of curiosity and joy,
he leapt off the path and to his delight,
discovered a jewel that dazzled and enthralled him.

The one who had been left behind, followed the first,
And upon noticing the brilliance that even outshone their friendship, in the hands of the Tall Friend, was filled with jealousy, coveting the delight that seemed to envelope his Friend.

At that moment, the jewel was as a razor,
cutting the hand of the tall Friend. And with a yelp of victory, the jealous Friend grabbed the light,
and made off with his prize, not caring for his broken and injured Friend.

But that brilliant light was not all that it seemed, soon wounding him, and again falling into the hands of another. Nursing his pain he left, searching for his Tall Friend, and wondering how he could ever find him.

But as he backtracked along his path, he soon
discovered his Friend, still in the same spot, lying wounded on the grass and near death, that brilliant jewel's treachery had taken its toll. No longer tall and brilliant, but beautiful, mild and sad

He picked up his Friend and nursed him back to
what life he had left. No words passed, nothing needed.
And as they stumbled down the cold path, it was still cold. No warmth came, no flowers blossomed. The jewel had stolen their joy and light, and the trail they made would forever be without it.