On these dark and cold nights it would seem we have forgotten their purpose. We used to gather around the fire and tell stories, of better and of worse times. Of heroes and myths and monsters. I wish that would come back, so I am participating to the best of my ability. Here you will find a recounting of the Brothers Grimm 'The Golden Bird' and two new Black Forest inspired poems; "She Paints Flowers" inspired by Persephone and "Sentient Shadow" about the phenomenon most commonly called Dog Man.