A Walk In Solitude

I strolled a path in solitude
As snow and frosty winds renewed.
The night was giving way to light
When I beheld a startling sight:
There was a figure up ahead
Whose twisted shape invited dread.

Its form was cloaked in falling snow,
Which by that time began to slow,
But not enough to clear the view,
So I then called a name I knew.
Perhaps the figure knew me too,
Yet only fear within me grew.

So who was here with me today?
And who had crossed my path this day?
I paused right there to look around
And search for steps upon the ground.
The snow remained devoid of prints;
I roved my eyes for other hints.

With squinting eyes, I braved a gaze
And uttered words infused with praise.
I slowly walked toward the sprite
As sunlight chased away the night.
I was relieved to clearly see
That what I'd feared was just a tree.