Spring Sacrifice

A forest in winter.
An early frost.
A fresh blanket of snow.
A gentle breeze.
An iron chain, two iron chains.
A leg, a foot, an arm.
A beautiful girl, in rags.
A baby in her arms.
A tracking dog
A sheriff.
A radio in his hand.
A pickup truck on an icy road.
A small Kentucky farm.
An old red barn.
An iron cage.
A bucket. A plate.
A bent spoon.
An open lock
A clenched fist.
An angry farmer.
An altar.
A blood sacrifice for Spring.
A search.
Another girl.
A dark prayer.
An angry god listens.