Bitter Almonds

I bore witness to Daybreak’s final tribute for the year 2011 as I sat under the shade of a weary Indian-mango tree at six in the morning of December 31st, eyelids heavy after once again having kept Night company: I first saw Light slowly sweeping the land, coming from the distant eastern hills where his fiery master could be seen, peering through the branches of every tree she touched and penetrating every house she passed in search of her archnemesis, Darkness, whom unknown to her, had cleverly slipped out of the country undetected. Then the golden blankets of Dawn began to cover and conquer—she vanquished what little remained of Darkness’ reign, and unleashed the sword of war against Moisture and Cold whom did not put up much of a fight. When Heat finally graced the fray with his overwhelming presence, victory was decided. And so it followed that Daybreak succeeded on slaying my old friend Night, and within moments, the war was won—although it seems that Cold survived her previous deadly encounter, and is now waging another scuffle against Heat in which she appears to be gaining the upper hand.

I was fairly entertained by their ways of conflict and it was only when Brightness proved to be unbearable that I chose to join the ranks of Slumber’s army.