The Climb

At the base of the summit, she stood

The gravesite behind her haunted the wind at her back

Whispered bitter nothings in her ear

Taunting, teasing, tantalizing

They watched with bated breath

Praying that she would fall back into her grave

Hoping that she would push on to the beyond

Change can frighten even the dead

At the base of the summit, she prayed

For the wind at her back to dry her palms

To carry her over and beyond her limits

The Earth reached out to her feet

Silently she promised she would return a better sacrifice

At the top of the summit they waited

Gods and their henchmen gathered

Prepared for what they had already seen

They cast lots on what she would choose

At the base of the summit she stood, she prayed, she wiped her palms

She took her first step up the mountain

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

There are times in our lives when the mountain stands before us and it takes huge courage to take that first step upwards. This poem offers hope to those who see only darkness. Nicely composed.

Chris