The Climb

Standing at the peak

Breathing the thin air

Feeling the breeze on your skin

You pant (weary)

But smile at the victory

That comes from a long climb.

You look back

Down

To the long trail of your journey.

You remember

Every step, every rock

That got you here.

Some rocks

Small enough to hold

But too weak to hold you

That gave way

Just as you dared to trust them.

Others

Too large to grasp

With weary, blistered hands

But perfect

For boots to land on

When smaller rocks failed.

Every rock

Only a temporary helper

Or resting point

Because you must move on

Through the pain

In spite of the fatigue

Ignoring hunger, thirst

Desiring so much to reach the top.

Enjoy the view.

All your pain is lost

In your victory.

You won’t miss any of the rocks,

But can be grateful for every one of them.