The mountain waits (as mountains do)
as five strong elements embark,
moving noisily towards the peak,
promising to hear each other's calls.
to stop, if necessary, to replenish,
water or fire or metal or earth or air.

Moving out briskly,
intent on the top...
moving through moist green lushness,
moving through stone and root.
Imperfect, yearning... hearing an inner call.
moving, moving, breath used quickly.

Needing so soon a second wind
to carry us over the first great rise.

Out now from the trees,
leaving the wood, and planning behind.
time to look inside at the landscape
of broken dreams; haunting wishes unfulfilled,
the legacy of almost but not quite.

The pain begins in the legs for some
mobility limited, heaviness- sharp pain through thighs,
constricting calves.
WATER
float the toxic matter through, walk into the pain of being stuck
too long in one place.

Another battles the breath,
short and choppy the movements-
slow the breath
Feel the pressure subside in the passages.
The blockage of long needed expression.
How does one translate such beauty, such power,
into the printed word.
First one must see the beauty as it is.

The breath opens yet
the heart begins to ache.
An ache for all the past companions.
For the companions who have hiked other mountains
and who are now gone.
Above the trees and across the long valley,
their spirits hover, some urging you on to the goal,
some wailing from their grief of being left behind,
and yet, is the grief their grief or your own.

They are not on this journey,
but you are,
and ahead is one last steep treacherous summit.
You need the companions who are now here.
You need all of your heart to still the wailing.
To embrace and carry the ache up,
up to its exaulted place.
Up with the others in the clouds of acceptance.

Near the summit you pause
to gather the elements
to take the final rise en-masse.
BALANCE

Your joy is in knowing
you made this journey together,
step by aching step.
Looking at your demons
Looking out at your companions
Learning the difference between the two.

Step by beautifully painful step,
Looking in and looking out.
Drawing strength     Giving strength-
Receiving inspiration     Offering inspiration
Your joy full and splendid, is shared.

And YES,
you are still on the mountain.
Now to make it down-
to bring your awe and respect back intact
to the valley of everyday.

The way down is not always easier.
Now is the time of the mind.
The thousand things intrude;
is there enough daylight?
must we cross another snowfield?
how far have we gone off trail?

Back to center...
back to the place of knowing
back to now.

One step follows another.
Each step placed strategically,
minimizing the impact of the wearing blows,
the pounding of the roots, the turf, the rocks,
The obstacles that would have you ask
HOW MUCH MORE?