In rushing wind and dust and rain

I climb despite the throbbing pain

Each stride I walk, each stride I run

brings me closer to the sun

My boots fit snug around my toes

And with each step my spirit grows

The peak I'm told is not too far

I pray, I hope on distant star

For all I need is food and rest

But t'would be nicer on the crest

Than on a rock by some small stream

Right now I can only dream

That I don't faint along the trail

Despite the cold and spitting hail

For stopping now would be to die

A cheap excuse for me to cry

I don't react to failure well

And coming close is close to hell

Desire keeps my soul alive

Preparing for the final drive

I step up to see the peak

But by now my body's weak

I drop my satchel to the ground

The small clamor, the only sound

Across horizons views unfold

Of cotton clouds and fields of gold

I lean against a long flat stone

Relaxing on the hard base throne

Far from earth's relentless flow

The world seems dormant far below.