To the Mountains

By
To the mountains I crawl
strapped up, laces tied,
civilisation heavy on my shoulders
and my eyes
downcast
waiting.

Silent waiting; careful waiting,
patient, no,
anticipatory waiting,
for the winds to carry
that weight away.

To the trees I lean
for love and comfort - 
for their strength,
petulant to
shed my heavy passenger...

To shed it slowly over months
and months, in many
colours, many weathers,
many nights and days and
afternoons, bitter and brown.

To leave my life on the ground
and crawl through the rocks and
stones and ledges and trails;
to find that summit where
all is light and well.


~ written 24th January 2025