In the End

True story....

I walk up to the marvelous scene slowly,

checking to make sure this wonder truly is real

and not just a painting or photograph.

I see the people around me take a picture then leave,

not stopping to enjoy nature's beauty fully,

just for a second to snap a pic to post on Instagram.

I hop from rock to rock, making my closer.

As I reach the falls, I extend my hand

to feel the rush of cold water. 

It awakens me, bringing all my attention to this formation.

The water flows through my fingers

cleansing them of the soil and dirt they've gathered

from the long hike up to the falls.

It's energizing and eye-opening

but it's not enough to stand at the bottom.

I must get to the top.

I spot a trail to my left and start.

I climb over rocks and branches to the end of the path.

Looking out, over the falls, I see I'm only halfway up.

It's not enough to stand half way, I must get to the top.

But there's no trail. I will have to conquer this my own way.

The side of the mountain is wet from the previous night's rain.

I slip as the ground turns diagonal, sloping.

I grasp onto anything I can for stability:

trees, branches, the earth.

Despite the danger, I go on. I must do this.

I cannot give up now.

Over trees, rocks, wet dirt,

I crawl on my hands and knees.

I feel the thorns from bushes cutting and slicing at my legs

but I carry on. Is it worth it at all if you don't 

get a few scratches and bruises along the way?

I reach the top after the long and hard journey up

and sit on a flat rock, looking out across the forest I've hiked through

to get to this point. I look hundreds of feet down and my stomach lurches.

I gaze down at my knees, covered in dirt and blood, and smile.

My stomach settles as I recount my adventure.

How terrifyingly fun it was.

Nowhere else can you feel the peace I do,

when I'm sitting at the top of a waterfall.

When you've listened to your heart and not your brain.

It's all worth it in the end. Just don't give up.

Now how do I get down?

Author's Note

Backstory: I went on a hike I hadn't done before at Jones Gap State Park and it ended in a beautiful waterfall. I climbed to the top of that waterfall and now I'm writing a poem about my experience doing that. It was really hard. And terrifying. But I'm alive to tell the tale... or write the tale... type the tale? Anyways, hopefully my real message came across.

Reviews

[Zoya]

I get not one but many messages from this piece; messages that inspire you to the fullest and fill you with positive energy and strength, make you want to embark on a journey just like yours. The last line also tells us that every task you undertake should be well planned lol. Though it did provide for a nice, funny ending.
I enjoyed reading this piece. Well done!

[Quinn W]

Thank you so much!

[Zoya]

No problem

[William Liston]

I love how in your author's notes, you often ask if your message came across - put simply, it did, in this piece and every other one you've written.
The juxtaposition of the alluring serenity of the waterfall and the speaker's hardships made this piece shine. I like how there's a constant reassurance of determination in each stanza that ultimately becomes joyful and worthwhile in the final two stanzas. Also, I enjoyed the tinge of humor in the last line ... made me smile : )

- William Liston

[Quinn W]

I appreciate your comments so much! Thank you!

[barleygirl]

You truly transported me!!!! I spend many decades of my life doing these kinds of explorations, always pushing further to see what's around the next bend, climbing mountains & discovering waterfalls. You put this all together with vivid dynamic wordplay plus straightforward mental observations that let us get into your head as to how you were experiencing this adventure. Now I want to write something in a similar vein . . . thanks for the inspiration! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Quinn W]

Thank you so much, Margie! I always love your reviews!