[ MP ] Listen to this track , then write a response

Four into the woods on a Winter's dark went. With arm and axe, boot and breast they strode forth amongst the snow and frozen ground, and into the dark they went. Far from hearth and fire they knelt as predator, they knelt as prey. Around and around the wood's gaze stole over them and peered into their very soul. Four from the village far, four sent to the hunt, four boys into the Winter's dark. 
 
 
 From far away others, older yet, slept and dreamed a memory long since gone of a time into the Winter's dark they too went. Far from the snarls, the crunching bone, and yelps of pain they slept and dreamt. 
 
 
 And ever slowly the sun arose and the morning crows took flight and work began. Arcing through the sun set along its path and morning turned to evening, and night. And again. And again. When the sun of solstice rose at last did they return, arm and axe, boot and breast. 
 
 
 Finally home, with hearth and fire, meat and mead they stood, men. They ate well, they drank well, the loved well. Music swept through the village and all were filled with laughter and tears. They danced gaily, for they were sad. 
 
 
 Four into the woods on a Winter's dark went, and three returned.
