I woke up on the perpendicular trail;
though I meant to stay beneath the blanket streaming videos.
Whose idea was this anyway?
I should turn around;
I need the rest.
Maybe just another switchback or two.
That obvious rock moved as I stepped over it;
I’ve been toddling stably for five & one-half decades.
Why else would I have fallen?
I should turn back;
the dirt on my knee will stain without prompt pre-treatment.
Maybe just to the clearing up ahead.
Breathe in, breathe out, I’m really worn out from the week.
Those things! Those emails and phone calls and screen work
will need a well-rested me tomorrow.
I should turn back;
wearing myself out today will only further exhaust.
It’s probably an old athlete’s tale that moving muscles leads to healing.
Whoa!
The leprechaun didn’t notice the hole in his bag;
He never would’ve left that golden mushroom,
the one that rolled out and landed beside the trail.
Wow!
That class trip during the beige of winter didn’t pack it in & out;
I guess five-year-olds can’t be expected to know this would happen.
Their crayolas have sprouted in the warm sunshine.
But I should turn back;
all I have is a trail bar and an apple; that’s not much lunch.
Maybe just a bit longer.
Purples, yellows, whites, and
pinks sparkle beside the trail.
Cyan has chased away even the fluffy clouds,
And branches have captured the cumulus marshmallows.
Maybe just another switchback;
maybe just up to the clearing.
A little more trail bar is all the energy I need.
Snow peaks beckon:
“Come peer at me from within a floral blanket;
and I’ll stream something better than video.”
Maybe just for a little while;
as long as I’ve come this far.
Though muscles ache and skin has pinked,
awe overtakes my soul; and
I awake three thousand feet above the azure river.
Related Posts & Photos
Dog Mountain, April 2015 (Flickr)
Wiped Memories, June 6, 2014
Perseverance, June 10, 2014
Dog Mountain, June 2014 (Flickr)