The Ascent Poem by Ray Andrews

Put on your boots
Get outta your tent
Today is the day
The Lord has made

Laced up boots and full bellies
We grab our accoutrements
To climb Lewis Peak
Upward, to just shy of heaven

Energy abounds with the promise
Of inner and outer surprises
How great will I feel?
What will nature reveal?

Laughing and joking
Over switchbacked terrain
Release from our burdens
Heals our withered hearts

The pace quickens
Thighs pound
A rattler slithers
Over threatening ground

Wet from sweat
We pause for a break
Drinking from an alpine stream
Wonder in a bright horizon

Look! Up on the hill
A bobcat chases a rabbit
Fast, ducking and jumping
Comprehension goes missing

High in the trees
Wisps of wind
Rush through the branches
Bidding us hello

The top is the goal
A fight to be there
This joyous ascent
Is begging to wear

Moving painfully high
Looking out
Looking around
Looking tired

Sitting by the trail
We peer down on hawks
Soaring above wide green forests
And narrow moving streams

On a snowfield up high
Ice axes pierce snow
Up there! The top!
Let adrenaline flow

At the summit we see
Green hued rounded canyons
Hiding trees and creeks
Frequent white crests, seeking dominance

We rest on the pinnacle
Endorphins gone wild
Giddy about glory
It will last just a while