The despair of winter

In winter's cold embrace, time frozen cracked ice chimes
Shadows lie in wait, vengeance for all humanity
Despair is on its way, claiming souls root in the earth
Embed deep within, make whole something new
Salvage from winters pass, to come again once more

From human souls it takes, vast foresting made
In human form it makes, writhing witchery
Ancient wraith breeds fear, punishment is just
Balancing the scales, or worse

Conjuring protection, despair heeds the call
Wielding long dead magics, primal forces sway

Strips of flesh, take root in the earth
No more breath, becoming unified
Sins repaid with death, humanity takes its toll
Taking something back, pride
Screams of pain, victims shattered soul
Winters grip, yearly ritual
Embed in snow, regrowth eventual
Slain for need, gain

Another season has past, ice melts once more
Ancient shamans curse, vengeance being flesh
Earth made anew, souls of those who knew
Embed deep within, make whole something new
Salvage winters pass, to come again once more