Mountain

​

The sun is up, though low it lies,
the cold air stings your face.
Ahead of you the day awaits,
Its test starts here, at base.

​

     You’re on your way now, look ahead,
     horizon looming large.
     A tempting vision clear and bright,
     but false as a mirage.

​

          For often it’s not what it seems,
          the mountain likes its fun.
          When every corner, every crest,
          reveals another one.

​

               So best foot forward, breathing hard,
               resolve to see it through.
               Determined now it’s stride for stride,
               with effort you renew.

​

                    But from the first step of the day,
                    You’ll know it’s not a stroll.
                    There’ll be hard times along the way,
                    until you reach your goal.

​

                         And if it proves demanding who’d,
                         be at his agile best?
                         With innate understanding you’d,
                         be equal to the test.

​

                              For what you seek is not the height,
                             nor can it be ‘how far’.
                             The prize is what you feel inside,
                             what makes you who you are

​

                                And though the summit view might please,
                                entrance you and beguile.
                                It’s all the journey, all the way,
                                that makes the day worthwhile.

​

                                   The last lap waits, though steep and hard,
                                   another lesson learned.
                                   The final push on rocks so sheer,
                                   reward so nearly earned.

​

                                       And when at last you reach the top.
                                       with vista so supreme,
                                       recalling all the things you’ve seen,
                                       is what completes the dream.

​

                                            But wait; don't get me wrong now,
                                            and let there be no doubt.
                                            I speak not of a mountain climb –
                                           – it’s life I’m on about.